Northern San Juan
AvalancheJason Bushey · Dec 12, 2019 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Clear and warm before noon with building cloud cover after reducing radiation. 20-30 degrees. Minimal observed wind loading throughout day.
Snowpack
HS on north aspects ranged from 90 to 140 in the most wind loaded areas. 10-20cm of depth hoar on these aspects observed from pole plants and strong 1f slab on top of depth hoar with 4F and F on top of those. Ski pen 20cm. Two planer layers observed from shovel sheer 20cm (fist over 4f) and 40cm (4f over 1f) from surface but were not reactive to compression tests. Expected rounding but no loop to verify. HS on east aspects just below treeline between 70-90cm and isolated spots had shallower depth from more solar radiation. On a 75cm pit depth ECT21P 15cm from ground on the depth hoar interface, but was not planer in propagation. Observed one collapse below treeline on NE facing slope 25 degrees near trees where early season snow certainly was prevalent. NW aspects at and above treeline much shallower from wind stripping and small wind slabs also forming which were reactive underfoot when skinning. Skied SE aspect.
Avalanche
Potentially Destroyer (NE aspect at treeline lookers left of battleship) prior or during Sunday storm. Sun shadows made it hard to tell if avalanched or very wind loaded and pillowed.