Southern San Juan
AvalancheMatt Huber · Jan 30, 2024 · Southern San Juan
Weather
Clear skies, temperatures in the upper thirties and little to no wind
Snowpack
No obvious signs of instability were seen on the approach. As the first rider descended he noted the slab was "punchy and breakable". A large, rolling collapse happened right as he was caught. The avalanche likely failed on buried facets from the December drought layer, stepping down into the basal depth hoar in several spots.
Avalanche
North-facing, heavily shaded slope near treeline. He credited being able to stay on top of the slab and not buried deeper to deploying his airbag immediately