Northern San Juan
AvalanchePatrick Ormond · Dec 31, 2014 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Weather from 12/28-30 was unsettled with periods of light snow totaling 4cm. Temps were cool, in the single digits at 11,400'. Winds were generally light below treeline and moderate at and above treeline, with moderate blowing snow on ridgelines and gullies. Visibilty above treeline was generally poor.
Snowpack
HS 70-150cm at treeline and below treeline all aspects, highly variable. Much thinner in most of the alpine from high winds last week, except for wind loaded areas. Traveled on W-NW-N-NE-E aspects and generally found 1F to P midpack overlying 4F facets in the lower pack. Compression tests had moderate results on basal facets and at Dec 13th interface, but hard or no results with ECT and Rutschblock.
Avalanche
Observed one natural release from wind loading that went during the night of 12/28-29. NE facing 12,000' US Basin Numerous old slides NE-N-NW facing at and below treeline Carbon Peak and Powerline zone, estimated release during 12/23-24 cycle.