Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Jeff Davis · Feb 14, 2017 · Northern San Juan

View on map

Snowpack

10" of New snow from the past storm is sitting on firm crusts created strong winds and temperature fluctuations. The new snow does not seem to be bonding will to the existing bed-surface and small-large "sluff" avalanches in the new snow were observed. Below the new snow the firm layers are sitting on softer layers of snow, but and don't seem to be reactive at this time. Avalanches in the new snow quickly gain mass as they move down-slope. Other observers also found firmer surface slabs on exposed slopes higher in the alpine. "Pizza Boxy" is how it was described.

Avalanche

Multiple Loose-Dry avalanches observed on South and West facing slopes in the afternoon. Many avalanches were triggered by snow falling off of steep rocky features. The avalanches quickly gained mass as they move downhill. A few D2's were observed in larger paths.