Northern San Juan
AvalancheAnonymous · Dec 26, 2016 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Clear, cold day. Temps started at -15 at the lot, then were 5 degrees end of day. Some strange fluctuations of temperatures from extremely frigid to warm. Minimal wind.
Snowpack
No previous signs of instability were noted on below treeline NW facing slopes. Snowpack generally over 125 cm. Generally supportable pole plants, but unsupportable boot penetration. As you approached closer to treeline, snow started to feel like it had more slab properties, which almost directly after this the avalanche occured. Skiing was kept below treeline on NW facing slopes. Below treeline had no slab properties, and multiple ski cuts produced no results, and generally good skiing. Snowpack near and above treeline was shallower, likely a large cause of avalanche.
Avalanche
Avalanche was remote triggered approx 300' away from a 20 degree slope, up to a 35 (estimated) degree slope. Large woomph heard and shooting cracks.