Sawatch
AvalancheMonarch Ski Patrol · Dec 29, 2017 · Sawatch
Weather
Clear on day observed. app. 14" of new snow over the past week with wind.
Snowpack
14" of new snow over past week, fist hardness down to 4 finger at bottom of new snow. New snow sitting on top of ~ 20" of facets and well developed depth hoar. ENE aspect Below Treeline.
Avalanche
Small Natural avalanche along the rock band that makes up the upper part of Gunshot. Ran full width of the rocks, app. 80ft wide and in the center ran down to the trees - app. 50ft. 6" crown, initiated on new/old snow interface. Skiers left for app. 200-300ft were a series of echelon cracks through the trees where the slope had settled but did not run. Ran several days prior to observation