Northern San Juan
AvalancheJeff Davis Chris Bilbrey · Apr 23, 2021 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Mixed bag of spring weather today. One moment we were basking in the sunshine, and minutes later it was snowing S1 and blowing sideways. The stormier weather was in the afternoon but this pattern was experienced for most of the day.
Snowpack
3" of snow was measured at pass level and an estimated 6" observed at upper elevations. The new snow quickly settled below treeline and on sunny slopes with even a short period of sunshine and break in stormy weather. Northwest winds were strong enough to drift snow but were sporadic and not effectively building slabs on leeward and cross-loaded slopes. Small pockets of new snow up to 16" deep were observed but soft to the touch and isolated. On all slopes traveled today the new snow had bonded well to the old snow surface. In some area the old snow surface was a curst/weak-layer combo created by recent spring diurnal weather conditions and would be an issue with a bigger load, but think it will break down again over the weekend before getting the opportunity to be a real interface of concern.
Avalanche
Small loose snow avalanches observed in steep, rocky terrain triggered by sun warming the surface. This was not a widespread problem today.