Northern San Juan
AvalancheAnonymous · Jan 8, 2019 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Full cloud cover, s1-s2, minimal wind
Snowpack
6-10 inches of freshly fallen snow, did not feel consolidated or slabbed. NE aspect at ~11,500 ft
Avalanche
Skier triggered avalanche on a NE facing aspect with 6-12 inches of freshly fallen snow on a slope in the high 30's. Avalanche broke to the ground with a 5m wide crown. Scar was 10 m long with another 10 m of debris in the run out. Skier took a turn on steeper terrain where he felt ground or a rock with his ski. His momentum and the movement of snow drove him forward into the slide where he was carried for 15-20 metes, narrowly avoided a tree, and was partially buried with a leg and an arm outside of the consolidated debris pile. Skier was able to dig a hole for his face and clear his airway while his partner who was standing in a "safe zone" above the slide was able to ski down the debris pile and unbury the skier with his shovel. Skier sustained no significant injuries and the party was able to ski out to the parking lot.