Southern San Juan

Avalanche

Mark Mueller · Mar 2, 2019 · Southern San Juan

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Weather

Cloudy skies and light snow in the AM, 3" of new snow with 0.25" of water content. Snowfall intensity increased during the afternoon. 4" of additional accumulation at 1500. Moderate SW winds and moderate wind loading along the CD and near treeline. Temperatures in the 20s.

Snowpack

No signs of instability- no cracking, can't remember the last time a collapse was observed. Harmless sluffing in steep N-NE aspects near and below treeline. The bond between the new snow and the recent melt-freeze crust on sunny aspects appeared to be good. Moderate SW winds were scouring windward aspects near treeline.

Avalanche

No observed natural avalanche activity- visibility was very poor. Ski tests on N-E aspects near and below treeline did not produce signs of instability.