Sawatch

Snowpack

Becs Hodgetts · Mar 16, 2016 · Sawatch

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Weather

Ridge line winds were stout, with periods of intense blowing snow. Wind speeds were strong enough that loading was moderate at best. Skies were intermittently cloudy, with periods of sun. Temps reached 12F by 2pm.

Snowpack

A foot of new snow in 48 hours. Below treeline, wind had little effect, ski pen was 25cm on firm snow/melt forms. Snow below treeline was also supportive to boot pen (~25cm). Near and above treeline west slopes were in the process of being stripped of snow. Load on east slopes seemed minimal as strong winds sent new snow skyward. Small new cornices were very reactive, however only minor cracking around ski was observed when small drifts and slopes were ski tested.