Northern San Juan
AvalancheAmy Pertuz · Jan 4, 2020 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Clear and breezy. Northerly/Northwesterly winds were not strong, but were constant above treeline, and ridgetop plumes of blowing snow were visible all afternoon, despite a lack of widespread blowing snow further from the high ridges. Most trees still holding their storm snow..
Snowpack
More rearranging of the snow in the last 24hours, and stiffer, chubbier wind features can be seen now. Many fetches in the alpine still hold a lot of snow, but northwest and north winds moved a lot of snow into S aspects near ridgelines, and fresh cornice buildup was seen on specific slopes facing south through east. If someone was hunting for an avalanche, they could have found prey on these wind loaded features and cross loaded slopes west-south-east in open areas near and above treeline. Many alpine wind features and cornices had developed a sharp edge to them. In more protected terrain, and below treeline, wind drifted snow was not a problem, and soft surface conditions remained. Skied a steep protected N/NW aspect from treeline with great conditions and no stiffened snow or signs instability.
Avalanche
No new slides since yesterday.