Sawatch
AvalancheJason Konigsberg · Mar 12, 2020 · Sawatch
Weather
Skies started overcast with decreasing cloud cover throughout the day. Mostly sunny by 5 PM. Winds were moderate at ridgetop but no blowing snow observed. About three inches of recent snow. No new snow while we were out riding.
Snowpack
No obvious signs of instability. We did not see any sign of wet avalanche problems anywhere. No rollerballs observed. The snow surface on sunny slopes did feel slightly moist by afternoon. Large cornices loom over steep slopes near ridgetop. We mostly rode near treeline. The snowpack was supportable and it was hard to get stuck. Below treeline was much different. It was easier to break through the slab that is about 2 feet thick into mid-pack and basal facets. The snowpack was generally wintery and dry everywhere we rode.
Avalanche
One small wind slab avalanche observed. Hard to tell how old but guess would be two to three days.