Northern San Juan
AvalancheJeff Davis · May 21, 2019 · Northern San Juan
Weather
A potent spring storm continues to bring a mix of snow and sunshine to the area. Temperatures remained below freezing, but mild. West and northwest winds were strong enough to move snow at upper elevations.
Snowpack
Winter returned to the Southern Mountains. Almost 20 inches of snow has been measured at the Red Mountain Pass study plot since Sunday. At pass level the snow is settling quickly due to mild temperatures and brief moments of sunshine. The density of the new snow get lighter the higher in elevation you travel, but Goldilocks's sweet spot for face shots is at the near and below treeline interface. The snow below is to warm and the snow above has been stiffened by the wind. Drifts of new snow up to 2 feet deep were observed, but nonreactive. The old surface below the new snow was refrozen, but the dust layer persists. Dust was also observed in the new snow.
Avalanche
Small Loose Wet avalanches were observed as snow warmed and fell off rocks in the afternoon at lower elevations.