Southern San Juan
AvalancheAnonymous · Feb 16, 2014 · Southern San Juan
Weather
At 3:15pm on Molas Pass, Clouds coming from the North-East (4/8 covered) with intermittent sunshine, were accompanied by a light breeze. A relatively warm air temperature was recorded at 4 degrees Celsius with no precipitation.
Snowpack
Snowpack at our area of study recorded a total depth of 187cm of snow. As a group, we conducted a Rutchblock Test and a Loaded Column Test. A score of RB6 with shear quality Q2 was recorded for the Rutchblock test. The Loaded Column Test fractured with two total blocks at 182cm. Then again after 9 total blocks were added at 149cm. Six different people conducted Compression tests. Some notable results include; consistent failure occurred at 95cm or at 100cm, for every person's test. An average CT score of 18.5 at that layer was recorded out of five tester. The layer at 100cm was identified as the layer of concern. Also, a rather thick section of depth hoar was persistant at the bottom of the snowpack and fracturing did occur here as well (~Q2).
Avalanche
Wet loose avalanches were noted on on South-East facing Aspects on Coal Bank Pass. No woofing, cracking or other concerns were noticed during short skin. Snow did seem heavier than average.