Sawatch

Snowpack

Becs Hodgetts · Dec 23, 2016 · Sawatch

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Weather

Pass temps were above freezing until Syncline Hill. Felt almost muggy during the tour. Overcast with light breeze. Wind was not actively moving snow when we were on ridge. Evidence of prior wind loading from the few hours the wind picked up early this morning.

Snowpack

Below treeline west and east slopes. High density new snow (measured 7"HN, 1.1"SWE = ~15% density) bonding well to old snow surface. 4F resistance in upper 40cm of snowpack. Supportable to skis with 10cm penetration. Small soft drifts noted as we neared 11 000 ft.Thin discontinuous graupel layer at surface. Highway avalanche paths holding snow. Banks that have been blown now have a dirt layer which will be a potential bed surface when we get a cold storm.