Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Josh Hirshberg · Jan 2, 2017 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Cool, breezy, wintery. Moderate SW winds w/ moderate wind transport near TL. Overcast skies. No precip during the day.

Snowpack

HN24 5cm w/ HST of 12-15cm. Avg HS 110cm. Drifting and Wind Slabs forming near and above treeline from SW winds. Localized to slopes immediately leeward of ridges. Found generally supportive, strong snowpack, though we were able to target isolated weak areas.

Avalanche

Saw 2 snowmobiles highmarking numerous steep slopes in Mineral Basin. They triggered a small avalanche in freshly drifted snow on NE, 11,840ft. This did not appear to involve any old layers. No rider involvement.