Northern San Juan
AvalancheJeff Dobronyi · Dec 1, 2016 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Clear at 10:00 am to obscured by 3:30 pm. no snowfall observed but S-1 by the time we left. winds were light from the W at the Prospect Saddle
Snowpack
11,800', N Aspect in Prospect Basin. HS 80cm. 2 concerning interfaces, first down 45 (11/26). Hand Shear Easy, Q1. No major grain or hardness difference at this interface. Second interface of concern was down 75, hand shear easy Q1 on 2mm facets. This area is steep, shady and early season snow may have lingered. In this area, we triggered two loud whumphs while breaking trail, which were heard and felt by the last member in our party 100 yards behind. Whumphs prompted us to dig and subsequently turn around. Overall, hardness was FIST for 5cm above the ground, then 4F becoming fist all the way to the surface.
Avalanche
none observed