Sawatch
AvalancheJared Berman · Mar 11, 2023 · Sawatch
Weather
Mostly sunny, with moderate winds from the southwest. Warm temps near or above freezing in places protected from the wind.
Snowpack
Below treeline: About 6" of new and settled snow rests above a multitude of supportable crusts and facets on south aspects. On north and east aspects this snow rests above thin crusts and facets. New snow became wet and crunchy by the end of the day. Near treeline: New snow has drifted onto easterly facing aspects from strong winds over the past 72 hours. Drifts were as deep as 50cm resting above a thin melt-freeze crust. This interface was the culprit of a large collapse and shooting crack. North-facing slopes were deep and held soft snow despite the warm temps. Southerly slopes contained about 6" new and settled snow resting above a multitude of thick, supportable crusts. Above treeline: Only traveled on North facing slopes. Snow remained cold throughout the day and was deep and consolidated.
Avalanche
Many natural avalanches seem to have run in the past 72 hours. All were above or near treeline on north and east-facing slopes. Some appeared to be wind slabs or storm slabs while others appeared to be persistent. Many other avalanches could be seen that I didn't code.