Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Jeff Dobronyi · Mar 8, 2014 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Lizard Head Pass- Calm winds, temps in the 20s, clear skies. Solar radiation noticeable.

Snowpack

We cut underneath a small 40 degree NW facing slope. After 5 skiers had crossed, a snowshoer in the group punched through to the depth hoar, causing a whumph. We decided to dig a test profile. HS 105cm, With fairly simple layering. ~45 cm of depth hoar, containing a small crust ~5cm above the ground. Above the depth hoar, ~10 cm of 1F, then ~25cm of 4F, and finally ~25cm of F hardness snow. CTE SC x2 down ~100 cm. CTM SP x1 down ~60cm.

Avalanche

Numerous loose wet avalanches observed on the south facing aspects of Yellow Mountain and Vermillion Peak. All took place in the afternoon between 1300 and 1600. No slab avalanches observed.