Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Dustin Eldridge · Dec 15, 2016 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Warm! Temp at trailhead, 10,200 ft, was 41 degrees at 1130. Windy as well, with high winds and heavy windloading. Appeared to be out of SW. Winds seemed to back off below TL as day went on and storm socked in more, but still high gusts and heavy windloading observed Near and Above treeline. Snow started around noon with <S1 but soon started coming in heavy, S2 likely. 1-2 inches fell in an hour or two up around treeline. Temp at TH was 30 degrees upon return. Surprised as forecasts called for heavier snow to come in tonight.

Snowpack

Not much notable. talked to another group that had dug a pit in order to target windloaded areas. They found HS 140, and said the pack seemed rather consolidated and uniform. ECTX. Warm temps had the snow feeling 'surfy'. Also, noted roller balls on West and East aspects below treeline before the temps dropped.

Avalanche

None.