Southern San Juan
AvalancheAnonymous · Feb 3, 2021 · Southern San Juan
Weather
Overcast with moderate sw winds. Winds especially strong on ridgetop a near tree line.
Snowpack
Depth varied but there was a melt freeze crust up to an inch thick almost everywhere. Heavy wind loading, especially along ridge tops. Snow from previous storm has settled into a thick slab. Once that layer was penetrated, layer below was very loose.
Avalanche
3 separate natural wind slab avalanches on NE aspects along ridges. Wind loading was intense. These varied in elevation from 11,200-11,600. 2 different R1 D2 avalanches directly above Poage Lake. 1 R2 D2 avalanche farther SW. 4th avalanche was triggered by a snowmobile. NW aspect around 11,200 feet. Persistent Slab that released from a small tree to near a rock face. Estimated 35 degrees where triggered. R2 D2 estimated width 75 feet and ran an estimated distance of 120 feet. Rider was partially buried and able to get themself out, thankfully with no injuries. This area was protected from the wind and offered no cracking/collapsing was observed prior to incident on similar slopes.