Northern San Juan
AvalancheAnn Mellick · Mar 12, 2017 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Partly to mostly cloudy, mild and breezy. Cooler than past several days.
Snowpack
The snowpack has taken a definite turn towards spring conditions, especially on sunny slopes and at lower elevations. Some slopes are showing runneling and there is increasing evidence of dust on the surface from the strong southerly winds on March 5/6th. The sunniest slopes are beginning to lose volume (especially in steep rocky areas) and are turning isothermal. Of particular concern to the highway are the Brooklyns and Eagle/Telescope groups where ample snow and a weaker more winter-like snow structure remains. These paths will bear watching with the forecast spike in temperatures next week.
Avalanche
Highway paths in the Gorge area have spit wet loose (D1) debris onto the highway and will likely do so again with warming temps later this week. Mother Cline will get particularly active.