Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Reid Christopher · Dec 8, 2022 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Severe clear, light winds @ all elevations

Snowpack

West aspect has a thinner, simpler snowpack than N and E without such a pronounced facet layer at ground in area skied. Cement Ck drainage received 35cm~ from the past 2 precip waves of low density snow, minimal wind effect noted. Only 1 noted settled/cracked slope on uptrack noted, small and well supported no avalanche. HS in general 50cm>1m.

Avalanche

Numerous slabs ran in storm to size D2 on the north facing terrain in Velocity under the "Sandwiches" and lower Grande. Had fresh snow on debris so ran in first wave of precip or part way through the second. N Aspect most initiated around 12,600" at base of cliffs