Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Sheamus Croke · Feb 7, 2021 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Sunny and Calm BTL; Strong (~30mph) westerly winds above 12,200 ft. Plumes of snow loading NE, E, and SE aspects of all peaks in the area.

Snowpack

Faceted 1-3 inches of fresh snow on top of variable densities (but soft) BTL and NTL. ~5-10cm thick unbreakable wind crust ATL, with lower density snow below, pockets of soft powder on leeward side of micro-terrain features.

Avalanche

1) Natural: ~12,600 ft ENE aspect, very large crown in some areas (presumed over 2.5 mts) likely caused due to wind event earlier in the week? Guess: R2 D3. See Photo 2) Natural: 11,600-12,200 ft, W aspect, long crown. likely caused due to warming? (Thursday?) Guess: R3 D3 See Photo/Video.