Northern San Juan
AvalancheMatt Cecil Jeff Davis · Jan 21, 2025 · Northern San Juan
Weather
A return to pleasant weather was marked by mostly clear skies and warm temperatures, stripping most layers by mid-day. Light Northerly winds were observed below tree-line, with more sustained winds at upper elevation ridgetops with moderate blowing snow.
Snowpack
Snowpits on east and northeast slopes continue to show a slab over a weak-layer combination with the ability to propagate in the top meter of the snowpack. The December drought layer remains the main layer of concern, and Extended Column tests produced hard propagating results on that Dec layer in a 3mm facet grain. In areas below treeline, this slab/facet combination is more prevalent in open areas or just below ridgelines vs heavily treeed areas. Heavily treed areas, the snowpack is becoming more and more cohesionless.
Avalanche
No new avalanche activity was observed today. We did discuss being able to trigger small Loose avalanches in steep rocky features in cohesionless snow.