Northern San Juan
AvalancheDevin Overton · Dec 17, 2020 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Mostly cloudy skies, temps in the mid 20’s, calm winds from the W-SW. Most recent snowfall on 12/15.
Snowpack
Variable depth of snow on leeward side of Nevada gulch summit. Stiff wind slab apparent on snow surface, with abundant depth hoar beneath the slab and above the ground.
Avalanche
This avalanche was remotely triggered while in touring mode with one foot on the established “around the world” skin track on the summit of Nevada Gulch at 12,200ft. A loud and frightening collapse of the adjacent cornice resulted in the initiation of a small slab avalanche running to the ground on a N-NE aspect at treeline. Crown height varied from 4’ to 2’ and was approximately 30 feet wide. The slide exposed ground and ran approximately 200’ before coming to rest on a low angle roll feature.