Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Jeff Davis · Mar 19, 2017 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Another spring day in the San Juan's. Temperatures were cold in the morning in the shade, but warmed quickly in the strong sun.

Snowpack

Difficult traveling conditions were found on most slopes. Many slopes had a firm freeze in the morning making skinning on South facing slopes challenging, but quickly softened as the sun hit and temperatures rose. An East facing slope above treeline was becoming unsupportive by 11 am. In a quick snowpit on a South facing gully above treeline, HS 160 cms. Wet snow was observed throughout the snowpack, but grains near the ground were rounding facets. Pack was becoming more homogeneous, but still a few suspect layers for pooling water.

Avalanche

Loose Wet and Wet Slab activity was observed on solar slopes.