Northern San Juan
AvalancheErin Laine · Dec 11, 2020 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Intermittent snowfall, frigid light-moderate WSW winds, overcast all day
Snowpack
30cms/12" of new snow on a variable melt freeze crust, with ample basal facets below. Crust was most prominent on low angle E aspects with the most solar exposure. New snow was super light and barely forming cohesion in late afternoon.
Avalanche
Size 1 natural dry loose in Mineral basin, NE aspect in steep alpine terrain (above 12k) Size 1 remotely triggered soft slab on egress, on a 34 degree below treeline E facing feature. New snow failed on melt freeze crust. Failure occurred as 6th skier passed toe of slope, about 6 feet from visible fracture.