Northern San Juan
AvalancheAnonymous · Jan 8, 2023 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Cloudy and snowy, Porphry Basin, Red Mountain Pass, North aspect, approximately 11k-11,400 feet.
Snowpack
Lots of new snow. Porphry Basin, North Aspect, Trees, approximately 11k-11,400 feet.
Avalanche
Porphry Basin, Red Mountain Pass, North facing trees. Approximately 75-100 feet from the ridgeline. Slide occurred below tree line. Approximately 11,300 feet. As I was climbing a section of the trees, maybe approximately 30-35 degrees, my right skin began to lose adhesion to my ski and was coming off. I could no longer skin, so I put my skis on my back and began to climb. At this point I was about 75-100 feet from my objective, the ridgeline. After a few steps (snow was very deep and unmanageable) I heard a collapse and felt the surface begin to slide. There was nothing I could do to avoid being caught in the slide. The best I could do was try to keep snow away from my face. After maybe 10 seconds I came to a stop. My whole body, except my head and right arm, was locked in the snow, immoveable. I began to process my situation. I couldn't really tell how much snow was above me. I used my right hand/arm to clear my face, neck and chest. At this point I could breathe easily and rest. I slowly began to dig my self out. Fortunately, my ski pole had landed near me and I was able to use it to push snow away from my body. I was also able to use it to probe and release my legs. After about 45min to an hour, I was able to release myself from my backpack, then dig out my legs and fully escape from the snow. I only lost my left ski pole. I transitioned my board and rode out of the trees as quickly as I could, doing my best to avoid any steep terrain.