Northern San Juan
AvalancheJeremy Yanko · Jan 3, 2022 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Generally calm and comfortable near treeline.
Snowpack
Went back to back days in the same area of the Animas drainage that typically sees less snow than other nearby corridors. The East aspect holds 65cm less than same aspect and similar elevation up Cement Creek drainage. On North, in this area at ~11k, we found HS 135cm. Traveling up the E/SE ridgelines had warming surfaces contributing to glopping throughout. The SE aspect holds 2 crust layers with moist rounding facets sandwiched between with an overall variable HS ~50cm. One large collapse was observed on a NE wind loaded ridgeline. No other signs of instability were found. Snowpack tests yielded high/stubborn scores with Ct's, ECT and PST. The dense mid to upper pack slab is rigid and cohesive making it difficult to disturb the weak layers near the bottom of the snow profile. Documented snow profiles attached to this observation.
Avalanche
Largest and most visible avalanche near the headwaters of the Animas River.