Northern San Juan
AvalanchePatrick Ormond · Jan 5, 2017 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Snowing 1-2" an hour during the time I was out (noon-3:30) Winds were moderate BTL, stronger TL and ATL, westerly, switching back and forth from SW-NW. Winds blowing across Red 3 sounded like a jet engine.
Snowpack
New snow was around 5" in protected areas BTL. At TL and in open BTL areas, snow was drifting deeper. Fresh wind drifts BTL on test slops were sensitive, breaking 12+" deep Shallow storm slab was reactive to skis on steep rollovers, debris was running fast and far, but didn't pack a punch. At TL, rapid loading and reloading of snow, cross loading features.
Avalanche
TL, NW, 11,700', Wind slab, likely natural, average 50cm depth, running on probable NSF at old snow interface. With some kicking and stomping, more slab broke off up to 65cm deep.