Northern San Juan
AvalanchePatrick Eells · Mar 7, 2021 · Northern San Juan
Weather
High cloud cover early in the day dissipated by 11AM and full sun, high temps, and calm winds led to warming of all but the highest and most protected slopes on our route. High temp was not measured but estimated to be 40-45 at 11200' at 2PM.
Snowpack
We dug a pit on a S aspect at 11250' to observe how the snowpack is reacting to recent warm temps and solar input. Overall we observed a snowpack in the very early stages of a transition to a springlike regime. Distinct layers are still very apparent and strong over weak snow structure produced results on CT and ECTs. Results: CTMSP and ECTP24 at 50cms from the ground where a 1F slab lay over 4F snow. Pictures and full snow profile attached. Enjoyed a few decent turns on protected E facing slopes near treeline. Snow deteriorated quickly at lower elevations into mashed potatoes and/or punch crusts.
Avalanche
Wet loose avalanches size D1 or smaller were observed on SE->SW solar slopes. Generally initiating in thin/rocky/cliffy terrain. Oh my god bowl and lookers right of the Himalaya face in waterfall canyon are 2 specific slides observed.