Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Becs Hodgetts · Dec 13, 2020 · Northern San Juan

View on map

Weather

Calm, clear day.

Snowpack

Slabs were thicker and harder(1F to P) near and above treeline. Obvious signs of wind transported snow with textured surfaces and wind drifts. Easy to trigger collapsing and cracking in these areas. Definitely avoided steeper slopes. Some cracks investigated went full depth in the snowpack. Below treeline, slabs were softer (F to 4F). There was also widespread cracking observed at this elevation, however cracks broke to the new/old snow interface. No propagation in stability tests. The slab was just not stiff or thick enough. The snow cover below treeline was thin and very weak. Storm snow had settled to 6 inches where we traveled.

Avalanche

Some evidence of avalanches running during the high precip rates (guessed) last night, as crowns were blown in.