Northern San Juan
AvalancheKrista Beyer · Mar 21, 2024 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Clear, calm, and warm. Temperatuires at 11,000 feet climbed to 44 degrees. Daytime highs at that elevation have climbed above 35 degrees for six consecutive days. Temperatures have remained below freezing consistently overnight and are generally below freezing for over half of the 24hr period.
Snowpack
North slopes have maintained cold snow despite the warm temperatures. Southerly, westerly, and easterly slopes have developed a crust that breaks down in the afternoon and refreezes each night. Steep north-facing terrain is shallow at ridgeline. Evidence of large sluffing during the last storm in rocky terrain on slopes over 38 degrees may account for lack of snowpack depth below ridgeline. Debris had hardened, but stayed relatively soft near surface. Despite recent accounts of surface hoar, none was observed locally.
Avalanche
More evidence of widespread loose and dry avalanche activity.