Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Mark Mueller · Feb 20, 2020 · Northern San Juan

View on map

Weather

Sunny skies. Temperatures in the 20s at Pass level, but didn't feel all that warm. Light westerly winds. 42" height of snow at Slumgullion with 2" of new snow from recent small storm events.

Snowpack

No signs of instability at Slumgullion Pass. Strong northerly winds have left solid wind packed surfaces near and above treeline. Where shallow soft snow lingers on this windpack the riding is quite good. Below treeline the snowpack is more faceted and is becoming less supportable.

Avalanche

With excellent visibility, no recent avalanche activity was observed near and above treeline at this end of the NSJ zone. Isolated harmless facet sluffing was observed on N-E aspects below treeline along the highway corridor.