Northern San Juan
AvalancheJohn Chapman · Nov 29, 2022 · Northern San Juan
Weather
1PM start Sunny afternoon after a socked in morning. 10 F at Trailhead @1pm Black Bear Pass rd Windy, 5 to 15mph Spindrift bites off many summits but not the elevations we rode.
Snowpack
Old faceted snow underneath 12,400: Some wind board on ridge with some light but dense transported snow surrounding 12,300 to 11,600: Wind deposited snow on all the north and east aspects above faceted snow.
Avalanche
Several test slopes on the way up were reactive on northerly and easterly aspects. Saw other skier triggered slides 11,400 ENE. 40+ degree slope Uphill skier triggered slide at 12,000 NE D1R1 35degree slope Rider triggered slide 11,900 NE D1R1.5 35+ degree slope Several small remote triggers between 11,900 & 11,400 N, NE, E, SE (aspects in a gully that released in several points BTL Location of rider during propagation marked in photo. Photo 1 is slide that occurred during uphill travel Photo 2 is anticipated propagation below large rockband