Northern San Juan

Avalanche

TIm Thomas · Feb 21, 2016 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

SCT with Light N. winds 5-15mph Location: approx. 11,400' on NE ridge, WGS 84 UTM's N 13S 026065, E 418800 Aspect 0/360 degrees - N.

Snowpack

Just below above location, same aspect, 11,200' *Time 1430 HS-175, Surf snow MCpc 1mm (graupel from 2/18); No new snow; Intermittent red dust on surface; PB 32cm; Air Temp 4 C; Surf. temp. -5 C; T20 -7 C Crystal type 170cm to 45cm RG; 45 to 0 cm FCxr 2+mm; CT results - CTN 32 degree slope Snow surface above approx. 11,000' was soft with 6-8cm penetration. Below that was hardpack with minimal ski penetration except in blown-in 'red' snow (2-3cm) , and on run-out apron near bottom of the chute.

Avalanche

Location/aspect same as above: Approx. 150' above pit location (11,350') - loose surface slide (old), hard underfoot, starting zone at ridge line with approx. 40-45 degree slope angle.