Northern San Juan
AvalancheJason Bushey · Jan 19, 2020 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Calm, warming around 10:30. By 2:30, temperatures were 35 degrees at the car. No wind or transport below, at treeline or above noticed.
Snowpack
Ski pen the past 2 days has been consistent on E to NE aspects below treeline, typically always 30cm and supportable, but occasional unconsolidated pockets around trees where more faceting has occurred. No storm slab property noted under foot the majority of the time. On 1/18, a couple collapses and cracks were noticed on SE facing terrain around treeline. Dug pit on at NE aspect at treeline slope clearly affected by wind loading the past week, and found HS185 with 2 problem layers at 165 and 140 (didn't go below 90cm in pit). On compression, CTEQ1SP at 165, and 140cm reacted CTMQ1 but broken. ECTE at 165 with propagation, and ECTMQ1 with propagation at 140 layer. A couple small D1 avalanches noted below treeline on convexities, but never more than 10x10'x8" in size and reaction on 38-40 degree convexities. Avoided wind loaded over 35 degree open slopes ATL.
Avalanche
One small D1 avalanche on McMillian Ridge ATL. Could be classified as D2 if terrain consideration is possible for injury. Estimated 20cm deep, 20' wide and <100' in distance. Likely natural.