Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Jeff Davis · Feb 20, 2017 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Springlike day with warm temperatures and strong sun. 35 degrees at the top of Red Mountain Pass around 3pm. Winds were light with minimal loading observed on the drive home.

Snowpack

Sunday's snow was quickly settling under strong sun and warm temperatures. The new snow stayed dry on North facing slopes near-treeline while Wet Avalanche activity was observed on South and West slopes that are affected by the sun. In a snowpit on an exposed SE facing slopes, strong snow was observed below multiple slab facet combos in the upper 35 cms of the snowpack. Wind Slabs that developed yesterday seemed to be less reactive.

Avalanche

Wet avalanche activity was observed on South and West facing slopes.