Southern San Juan

Avalanche

Caleb Leland · Mar 4, 2020 · Southern San Juan

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Weather

-Temperatures: Morning temps in the teens, afternoon temps 25-30 degrees. -Sky Conditions: Clear (CLR) -Precipitation Rate / Type: NO -Wind Direction: North -Wind: Winds were generally light below tree line and near tree line. Alpine winds were moderate with periods of strong gusts. -Extend of Blowing Snow: Snow was available for transport from the last storm on 20200301. High alpine peaks had visible snow being transported throughout the day.

Snowpack

Most recent storm on 20200301 left several new inches in the alpine (2-4in.). SW winds accompanied the storm allowed for new cornices growth and wind slab formation. Observed several cornice failures on NW-N-NE aspects. All failures observed were contained to the new load.

Avalanche

Sultan Mountain Aspect: North East Elevation: 13,000FT SS-AS/u-R1-D1-I Slab width: ~50FT Slab Depth: 8-12” Wind slab failure at the new/old snow interface.