Northern San Juan
AvalancheJeff Davis · Jan 1, 2021 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Cloud cover moved in from the southwest by early afternoon bringing periods of light snow and graupel. Southwest winds light, with moderate gusts. ~1 inch of snow fell in The town of Silverton by 3:00pm.
Snowpack
Field observations continue to point to a sensitive snowpack. Avalanches, cracking, and collapsing were all observed today on northerly slopes near-treeline. The new snow from this past weeks storm is settling and stiffen above the persistent near-surface facet layer. The near-surface facet layer remains the layer of concern and is within the top meter of the snowpack on many slopes.
Avalanche
I trigged a small Persistent Slab avalanche on a northwest facing slopes near-treeline in the powerline area of Red 3. I also observed a recent snowmobile triggered avalanche on a northeast facing slope near-treeline on the approach to the Putney weather station.