Northern San Juan
AvalancheJeff Davis · Feb 28, 2022 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Hot. Sunny. Calm
Snowpack
Today's objective was to gather some baseline Extended Column Test scores in order to observe how the snowpack adjusts to the most recent snow load. What I observed in snowpits on north, east, and west was the classic Persistent Slab avalanche make-up for a strong over weak snow structure. The most recent storm snow continues to settle and stiffen. Unfortunately, it rests on weak snow that developed during this season prolonged drought. In Extended column tests I was able to initiate moderate and easy propagating failures at the new/old interface. Both Collapsing and cracking were observed today.
Avalanche
Sundays rapid rise in temperatures triggered small losses avalanches on south and west facing slopes. We continue to record natural avalanches from the most recent cycle. Most are estimated to have occurred on February 23rd. 2022.