Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Susan Hale · Feb 4, 2016 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Northerly winds were moving a little snow on isolated ridge crests. Our trip started out with sunny skies, generally calm below treeline and very cold. By 11:00 became overcast and breezy.

Snowpack

In this below-treeline easterly aspect the snowpack is adjusting well to the new load. The midpack is very stout. The new snow - in this location - is supportive, unreactive to skier weight and is bonding well to the old surface. Found an interface within the new snow about 6-8 inches down but this will disappear as more settlement occurs.

Avalanche

First time to really look around with good vis since the storm. Observed avalanche activity that occurred during the storm (crowns are muted with additional snow). Both of the slides below originated from steep rugged terrain above treeline - that were heavily cross-loaded by strong southerly winds.