Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Chris Dickson · Feb 24, 2022 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Swirling clouds through the AM eventually opened up to blue skies in the PM.

Snowpack

Dug near the Jane's bench, 10,900' on a NE aspect. 180cms of total snow, with 52cms of new snow from this last storm. At this location, the new snow fell on top of two distinct but thin crust layer with facets above and below. Stability tests resulted in a CT14SP and ECTP14 on the exact same crust/facet combo 58cms down. As we approached the dig site, on a 28* slope, I triggered a big rumbling collapse that produced some shooting cracks.

Avalanche

Photos of the Jane's Drain R1-D1 are attached below. We also observed natural avalanches on a NW aspect above treeline across the valley and crowns below the steep north facing alpine terrain.