Northern San Juan
AvalancheMichael Arat · Dec 15, 2021 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Broken skies, -9C, light flurries, 11600' elevation, North/Northeast Aspect, at or slightly below treeline
Snowpack
4-6" of new storm snow on top of 20-30" of Dec 9/10 snow, cross-loaded N/NE aspect at about 30-33 degrees, 11600', small open area above an old double track road below a more densely gladed area
Avalanche
Skier 1 was breaking trail at an elevation of approx. 11600 near/at tree-line. Skier 1 approached an open area with few trees and a slope angle at or slightly exceeding 30 degrees. Skier 1 instructed skier 2 to hold tight in protected area while traversing slope with an expectation that the slope could fail. Skier 1 acknowledged that the slope was cross loaded and that it was a smaller, low consequence slope with a flat deposition zone and proceeded breaking trail across the slope. Approximately 2/3's across the slope an avalanche occurred carrying skier 1 approximately 80-100 feet down the slope. Skier 1 was able to orient their skis downhill and rode the debris flow the to toe of slope being buried waist deep. Slope failed on the faceted/crust below the Dec9/10 storm snow. Approximately 80' wide and ran approximately 120'.