Southern San Juan

Avalanche

Mark Mueller · Mar 14, 2020 · Southern San Juan

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Weather

5" of new snow measured this morning with 0.65" of water content. Mostly cloudy skies with a few moments of sun. Mild temperatures in the 20s and 30s and light SW winds. A scattered shower or two early, but no additional accumulation. Storm total; 11.5" with 1.25" of water content. The Friday morning WRF forecast was right on.

Snowpack

Fieldwork and stability testing focused on east aspects at treeline where I found no signs of instability with numerous cornice drops. With little additional snow overnight (~2") the high density new snow is settling quickly. No signs of instability below treeline, but another melt-freeze crust has formed on any aspect that got sun today.

Avalanche

No observed avalanche activity along the highway corridor. Visibility was marginal.