Northern San Juan
AvalancheAnonymous · Mar 24, 2020 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Sunny, approaching 40 degrees.
Snowpack
2-4in fresh snow on top of 15-20in from the past 7 days.
Avalanche
R2/D2 rider triggered slide in the new/old interface at 11,500ft on NW aspect, 40deg steepness. Crown was 2-3ft, broke 150ft wide and ran 800ft. Witnessed from the Around the World Ridgeline. Two riders approached the banker choke from the Around the World Ridgeline, through the trees. Rider 1 turned into the NW facing slope to his right, releasing the avalanche. Rider 1 was caught and carried 200ft, coming to rest on top of the snow, after hitting an unknown number of trees. Rider 2 descended to Rider 1. Rider 2 found Rider 1 conscious, sustaining multiple skeletal fractures, and chest injuries. Our group (3) established contact with Rider 2 via shouting. Skied down to Banker Bench and met another party of two, we skinned up debris to Rider 1 and 2. Communication established with SAR via radio. Pt stabilized, vitals obtained, splinted with available gear and extricated to the Banker Bench to rendezvous with SAR/Helitrax for evac to hospital. Both were experienced riders and carrying avalanche equipment. Signs of recent avalanches were apparent on northern aspects in the surrounding area.