Northern San Juan
AvalancheAnn Mellick · Feb 20, 2019 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Sunny and cold with an icy mist in the air early. High overcast thickened through the day, with very light snowfall by noon- increasing after 2pm.
Snowpack
Its starting to feel like a big winter... The last storm under-produced in the NSJ, but the snowpack continues to deepen and become more complex. 5"-18" of new snow sits on a firm mid-pack below treeline. Sunny slopes have crust/facet combos underlying new snow. Plenty of weak interfaces that will be tested by the incoming storm. The snow above treeline was surprisingly stiff and wind effected with shallow wind slabs 1"-5" thick. Some drummy/hollow areas. Exposed areas below treeline hold shallow wind slabs as well. Localized cracking noted above treeline, but no collapsing nor signs of instability below tl. Large cornices loom predominantly along north and east facing ridgelines. Will be something to watch when we get our first big warm up.
Avalanche
Most recent cycle (Feb 14/15) starting to get covered up by recent snowfall. No new slides noted today. Just some very minor sluffing of the new snow from steep rocky terrain with early sunshine.