Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Jeff Dobronyi · Dec 5, 2016 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Moderate winds all day from the NW. Moderate blowing snow and wind transportation near and above treeline, with intense blowing snow and scouring on peaks (Red 3)

Snowpack

Above treeline snowpack now highly variable due to recent winds. 1F slab was observed in the top 20cm of the snowpack where loaded. Informal testing of this slab showed easy results. Compression test x1 scored CTE SC down 20cm.

Avalanche

On a small, steep, convex W facing test slope near treeline at 11,900', near the new house being built behind carbon mountain. We were able to trigger a HS-ASc-R1D1-I. This was the top 20cm of the snowpack (a fresh 1F wind slab) sliding on the old surface, which was 4F facets. Shooting cracks approx. 4m long were observed once I stepped onto the slope, and when I continued out onto the cracked slab, it moved downhill easily.