Northern San Juan
AvalancheIan Peterson · Dec 7, 2022 · Northern San Juan
Weather
11,000', SW aspect: Wind: L, direction: VAR No consistent wind loading observed Snow: S2 12,000', NW aspect: Wind: M direction: VAR Moderate blowing snow across the shoulder on McMillan Snow: S2
Snowpack
BTL on approach to and up CR 14: - Moving obs detected widespread poor snowpack structure, with new load from storm stressing out buried PWLS. New storm snow in areas sheltered from the wind was still largely unconsolidated (F hardness), HST 7-9". Stress on the buried PWL was apparent with widespread collapses, and cracks propagating across terrain features. NTL- McMillan Shoulder area: - Poor snow structure was observed on NW aspects, with wind stiffened snow over FC. Previous wind loaded was apparent and drifts up to 2' thick were encountered in isolated areas. ~3" of wind stiffened snow was found on the surface, and gully features had more. High variability in snow depth makes this very much an approximation. ridges and high points were scoured down to the old snow surface. Winds made it difficult to gauge the extent of prorogation, but collapses were detected in wind loaded features where slabs sat on top of buried weak layers.
Avalanche
No natural avalanches observed - visibility was obscured