Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Jason Bushey · Feb 26, 2020 · Northern San Juan

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Snowpack

Snowpack changed from generally supportive near treeline at 11,100' into full facets to the ground as I moved down to 10,800'.

Avalanche

D1.5 soft slab avalanche started in NE steep (40-45 degree) below treeline terrain, went from 10,800' down to likely 10,000', 30' wide, under foot was 6" or less. Started as soft loose under foot and then picked up enough momentum to be larger. Snow in this area was full facets top to bottom on the snowpack. As I hiked out, boot pen was to the ground (1.5 meters), and ski pen was 60cm sometimes 1.5 meters.