Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Jeff Davis · Apr 1, 2017 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Cloud were in and out all day. Temperatures were warm and the April sun was intense. Winds were moderate at ridgelines, but calm in the valleys. A few periods of snowfall, but maybe only an 1" of additional accumulation. Temperatures were warm in valleys under cloud cover i.e."greenhouse" effect.

Snowpack

Traveled on most aspects and elevations bands today. The greatest avalanche hazard I observed was on steep sunny slope near and below treeline. Warm temperatures and brief moments of sunshine quickly warmed exposed slopes and it was easy to trigger small Loose Wet avalanche on steep slopes where the new snow for the past 24 hours was wet and sitting on a firm refrozen surface. Besides Wet avalanche activity, No cracking or collapsing was observed. Light wind-loading was observed on north facing slopes. "General Safe" conditions observed on slopes that stayed cold and dry.We can expect a firm crusts on many slopes in the morning.

Avalanche

Controlled Skier triggered avalanches on Steep West facing slopes around 3:30 pm. Avalanches were easily triggered, but relatively harmless in this terrain.