Northern San Juan
AvalancheReid Christopher · Jan 19, 2023 · Northern San Juan
Weather
12,600, NW asp, Clear minor cirrus occasionally. Light to no wind.
Snowpack
Lot's of probing revealed a high degree of spatial variability across entire alpine basin which was heavily scoured/wind loaded in early season, and now has been covered up with heavy snowfall and little wind. Generally 130 to 200 cm, from well bridged mid pack with minimal weak layer at ground, to deep tiger traps of facets and unconsolidated snow over rock outcrops, etc. Potential for hitting a surprise pocket seems high in given conditions in aggressive terrain in alpine. Slight wind effect in alpine 40 cm foot pen 20 cm ski pen. Some snowballs in pm from steep W facing rocky areas
Avalanche
Numerous storm slabs and cornice collapses to D2 ran in storm from west and north aspects but drifted in, and in Minnihaha saw no evidence of triggering to deeper layers. Observed one notable from CR110 end of day on NE face Mt McMillian into Georgia Gulch. Could only briefly observe crown but appeared full depth in extreme terrain and would estimate at a minimum D2.5 likely D3 but couldn't observe track or runout for the most part.Very crisp no new snow on bed surface appears to have run post storm. Guessing 100m. wide crown but very minimal observation, todays Prospect skiers may have better obs