Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Troy Nordquist · Feb 9, 2023 · Northern San Juan

View on map
Observation photo 1

Weather

Just a few short hours previous to departure, brisk north winds and single digit temperatures with broken skies. Once ascending, light north breeze and clear blue skies.

Snowpack

Snowpack below treeline was between 205cm and 180cm on the westerly facing slope of interest. Problem layer of note was at 4F hardness, at a depth of 128cm, with faceted grains. This layer could become more problematic with a decent load of new snow. Lack of expected loading and cross-loading from overnight winds below treeline. However, plenty of wind scoured and cross-loaded slopes in the alpine.

Avalanche

No new evidence of avalanches.