Northern San Juan
AvalancheJackson George · Dec 29, 2018 · Northern San Juan
Weather
12/28 : Graybird in the morning and snowing S1 by 130pm. Light north wind. Cold. 12/29: clear and sunny all day. Light north wind. Cold.
Snowpack
Snowpit at approx 11700 on NW near treeline Depth of pack: 97 cm Depth of new snow: 20 cm Generally assessment: entire pack is a mosaic of weak snow layers with large 5-6mm depth hoar at the bottom. Test: CT8 at 72cm. Planar . persistent slab layer near new snow interface.CT16 at 26 cm. Irregular plane of faceted snow. Bottom line: We had a great time skiing on slopes below 35 degrees and stayed out of trouble in a glaringly dangerous snowpack.On 12-28 the new snow was unconsolidated powder. On 12-29 the new snow had been very lightly wind effected which formed a slab. Otherwise conditions were similar on both days.
Avalanche
Numerous natural avalanches observed. From a distance seemed to be persistent slabs. Several D1 and D2 above treeline on SE aspects. As well as a few D2 and one D3 on N aspects above treeline. South facing were older and the north facing were observed on 12 -29. Believed to run on 12- 28 during the storm. All observed in South Fork of the Animas River.