Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Chris Dickson · Feb 23, 2022 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

S-1 to S-2 snowfall rates throughout most of the day, with a low cloud ceiling obscuring views of the alpine throughout most of the day. Strong SW winds in the AM becoming more moderate throughout the day. Estimated 3-5” of new snowfall throughout the day.

Snowpack

20-28” of new storm snow observed in this area outside of Telluride. The new snow rests atop of a dust layer that was deposited as the storm rolled in. Lots of observed reactivity today on the old snow/new snow interface, with storm slabs fracturing below treeline on N thru E thru SE aspects. Observed many cracks in the new snow below treeline and triggered at least 1 whumph.

Avalanche

Observed a D1 avalanche that piled up about 12-15 feet of debris on the Bear Creek hiking trail. Also, observed numerous D1 skier-triggered storm slab avalanches on a E aspect, between 10,600 - 11,200’.