Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Jason Bushey · Dec 15, 2018 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Calm, sunny with temps 35-40 degrees and little to no wind. Clouds came in around 3pm and temperatures reduced to 30-35.

Snowpack

On N Aspects observed HS of 70-145 due to wind stripping. Firm surface observed, but received multiple settlement and cracks on all aspects from NW to E below treeline to at treeline. Pit observed on a NNW aspect, 11,400', 28 degree slope. HS145, with CTHQ1 at 80cm on facets (65cm from surface). Would expect much easier results in shallower sections. New snow (15cm) was sitting on faceted crystals and not easily bonding, but with Q2 results.

Avalanche

Riley boy D2, natural avalanche likely caused from wind loading on Thursday 12/12.