Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Jeff Davis · Mar 24, 2017 · Northern San Juan

Weather

Snow and wind diminished throughout the morning. Strong winds were observed at higher elevations later in the day. March sun quickly warmed exposed slopes. Isolated clouds hung around some peaks in the afternoon. Pacific Northwest conditions were experienced traveling through the cloud cover.

Snowpack

The new snow came in upside-down. Denser snow over softer snow. Almost 2 feet of snow was observed on unaffected slopes. Exposed slopes in the backcountry showed a ripple affect created by winds associated with the new snow. The surface under the new snow was frozen at all elevations. The new snow wasn't bonding well, but due to lack of slab in the new snow itself, avalanche activity was isolated to steep and rocky slopes. At lower elevations and on open slopes affected by the sun, the snow quickly warmed. Skiing was heavy in the warming snow.

Avalanche

I was able to trigger small pockets of Storm Slab avalanches on isolated slopes that were very steep and rocky. A few Loose Wet point release avalanches were observed our of cliff bands on south facing slopes above treeline.