Sawatch
SnowpackRich Rogers · Dec 13, 2024 · Sawatch
Weather
Snowing, clouds seemed to be moving W-E, Southwest surface winds were gusting blowing snow, temps around 20ºF.
Snowpack
The depth of the snowpack, NTL, ranged between ~16-30in(40-70cm). The depth and supportiveness of the snowpack changed over short distances. Deeper snow was more supportive but sounded hollow in a few spots. Many ski pole probe tests did not require much force to get to the ground, even where the supportive wind-board was present. Hand-pits revealed mostly faceted snow throughout the basin, regardless of aspect. Similar characteristics as untracked slopes on the West side of Cottonwood Pass. Depth varied a bit more in Baldwin Gulch.