Sawatch

Avalanche

Scott Von Thun · May 1, 2017 · Sawatch

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Weather

Sustained 40+mph winds, primarily from the NW. Temps below treeline well above freezing.

Snowpack

Up to 16" storm snow below treeline on all aspects. Drifted into 3+ft drifts near treeline. 3-6" wind slab above 1 ft new snow on S aspects above treeline, firmer on E slopes and very firm on N aspects. No collapsing or shooting cracks observed until avalanche broke (see below)

Avalanche

Skier triggered WS avalanche on a traverse across a short section of 35degree terrain. Fracture propagated outward from skier 20m in either direction. Avalanche initially fractured about 4 inches deep beneath the wind slab, but stepped down to a second layer with a 12" max crown. Ran about 60m before the terrain flattened out.