Southern San Juan

Avalanche

Kenton Asche · Jan 9, 2017 · Southern San Juan

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Weather

Rain transitioned to snow around 8200'. Very heavy, wet snow. At the site of observation 9100' moderate snowfall with 15-25mph winds from the E High water content snowfall. Temps from 32-34F. Although currently snowing, the snowpack showed evidence of rain event, even at elevations around 9000'

Snowpack

On ESE aspect just off of the La Plata canyon road ~9100' we dug a rough pit to examine extent of rain effect. HS 150cm. Fist density highly water saturated snow from 150cm to 75cm. Finger density crust layer at 75cm. Didn't analyze much deeper but multiple other crusts noted. Overall fairly consolidated as the water seems to make it down at least 75-100cm. Loose wet slides could have been a real concern.

Avalanche

visibility too low to see up high. none observed