Northern San Juan
AvalancheJason Bushey · Feb 21, 2021 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Cold. Intermittent wind at higher elevations, and some loading observed on easterly aspects in the alpine.
Snowpack
At treeline, observed snow depths ranging from 180-190 with isolated spots around 140, mostly around trees on northerly aspects, but uncommon. In a pit location that receives moderate wind near treeline N, HS of 160 received an CT28SC 1m from the surface. ECTX. Ski pen typically was around 10-15cm and boot pen was 30-40cm. Below treeline on north aspects that didn't slide, snowpack remained deep and consistently over 150cm observed from quick pole tests. On aspects that had previously avalanched snowpack was around a meter and in this one limited location I did not observe basal facets on the ground. New snow was sitting on a stiff 5cm pencil crust on the ground that was difficult to penetrate with a ski pole.
Avalanche
On Molas Pass on drive home noticed an avalanche BTL on SE facing aspect, picture attached. Tracks located lookers right, so expected remote trigger. Noticed an avalanche on E aspect next to US Grant, unknown when likely in last 4 days based on visibility of crown line. I've also attached a picture of the avalanche behind battleship ridge I reported on Thursday 2/18 that ran during the storm event that proceeded the 18th. It seems to have gone over the waterfall and must have came close to south mineral road. Also, the additional wind did not release any natural avalanches on Sultan still.