Northern San Juan
AvalancheJeff Davis Chris Bilbrey · Nov 29, 2019 · Northern San Juan
Weather
A strong winter storm bringing heavy snowfall and strong southerly winds dominated the weather for the day. Snowfall tapered on Red Mountain Pass as of 5:00 pm, but continues in Silverton and to the south.
Snowpack
The snowpack showed signs of weakness in the form of cracking, collapsing, and a few observations of natural avalanches. Heavy snowfall and intense wind-loading created drifts over a meter deep. The snow surface stiffened as we gained elevation. Many windward slopes are stripped even after today's snowfall. A quick snowpit on a west facing slope near-treeline confirmed a weakness between the new and the old snow. Low visibility made it impossible to see what was going on in the alpine.
Avalanche
A few natural D1 avalanches observed today. They were in highway paths so in that database.