Northern San Juan
AvalancheKrista Beyer · Apr 25, 2024 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Morning temperatures hovered below freezing for a few hours before climbing to the 40s at 11,000 feet. A breeze kept the alpine cooler, but not cool enough to wear a jacket. This afternoon a winter storm hits the region suggesting snow totals in the 12-inch range over 3 days for favored areas. There could be enough snow for a fun refresh, but warm temps after the storm will likely shorten the available interval for cold snow skiing.
Snowpack
The snowpack is worn out on southerly slopes. Snowpack hazards have trended towards rocks and other obstacles melting out of the snow and variable conditions ranging from raised frozen tracks to punchy trapdoor funk. Protect your knees! While traveling in the morning, flowing intermittent streams and discontinuous snow coverage were readily available on southerly-facing slopes under 11,400 feet. Northerly slopes are maintaining better coverage but have still lost substantial snow. Average surface conditions across aspects can be described as small suncups and widespread dust. If the corn is harvested at the right time, consistent smooth and soft surfaces provide a reward for those who continue to travel through the mountains. As far as dust goes, the latest CODOS (Colorado Dust on Snow) update refers to 4 dust events. Two occurred close together at the beginning of March (D1 and D2). The other two occurred close together at the beginning of April (D3 and D4). Currently, D3 and D4 dust can be found on the surface across the mountains. D1 and D2 dust is present on the surface of southerlies and places that have lost most of the snowpack but are still buried on northerly slopes. Once the dust from the early March dust events is present on the surface, the albedo will decrease further, accelerating snowmelt further still.
Avalanche
No recent avalanche activity, but some loose small avalanches above treeline on northeast-facing slopes that occurred within the past week