Sawatch

Avalanche

Anonymous · Dec 27, 2017 · Sawatch

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Weather

Sunny and breezy, temperatures in the low 20s.

Snowpack

Traveled on S, E, and NE aspects from 10,400' - 12,100'. Snowpack was very touchy, as expected, with many noted collapses and shooting cracks and consists of storm snow sitting on top of a mixture of crusts, facets and slabs depending on the aspect and elevation.

Avalanche

Multiple small slides along Highway 91, 4 in the area we were touring. 1) S aspect, 11,000', 200'x50'(stopped in gully)x6-8", SS natural or triggered by a party on 12/25 or 12/26 2-3) E aspect, 11,600'-11,800', 50'x100'x8" SS (estimates, seen from a distance), SS, natural or triggered by previous party on ascent and/or descent on convex rolls 4) NE aspect, 12,100', 200'x200', crown dimensions were difficult to assess due to additional wind loading, but appeared to be at least 18" in spots. Likely the result of windloading or cornice fall. Visible from the highway.