Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Dominic Rickicki · Jan 23, 2024 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

No pertinent weather obs.

Snowpack

We had a collapse on a NE aspect near treeline and one on an E aspect NTL. We dug a pit on a South facing aspect NTL, on an 18 degree slope. HS was 119cm. The bottom 45cm of the Snowpack was faceted. Test results were CT8 (SC) down 74cm. ECTP25 down 74cm. (both results on the top of the facet layer.

Avalanche

BTL on a steep east facing slope above CR10 a D1 avalanche released while we were out in the field. Trigger is unknown. I assume it was natural, but there were other parties in the area skiing that possibly triggered it, though I could find no evidence of this. It's also possible the last member of our group triggered it and didn't notice, again, this is unknown.