Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Reid Christopher · Dec 8, 2022 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Broken to overcast, moderate sw winds at ridgeline/Treeline. Minimal transport

Snowpack

11,000' open glade above access road. NW aspect. 70cm. HS, 20cm HN. New snow low density sitting on slab increasing to 4F just above facet layer 25cm above ground. Easy failures to ski/ stability tests at facet layer, only reacting to skis on small, unskied, unsupported features. Some cracking noted but mainly stayed in previously skied terrain. Up to 150cm at ridgeline in wind loaded pockets

Avalanche

West facing slope just past last switchback to ridge on Minni road. 11,400' W aspect. 2 small D1 from steep, previously scoured terrain, area with minimal snowpack. Despite good visibility saw no notable avalanches in upper Cement Ck. Alpine looks inviting but rockpiles lurk under last snowfall, and slabs where enough snow to ski.....