Sawatch

Avalanche

Kreston Rohrig · Jan 4, 2018 · Sawatch

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Weather

Mostly clear skies, warm temps with a slight breeze in exposed areas.

Snowpack

Completely faceted snowpack in protected areas BTL. Open areas in the bottom of the gully had a rock hard 2-3" wind-formed slab. NTL and above, the same variation persisted: discontinuous pockets of textured facets next to thin, wind-hardened surfaces. HS varied from 30-110cm depending on slope configuration. The snow is confined to concave features and leeward ridges.

Avalanche

Two avalanches from the holiday cycle released in an open wind-loaded bowl.