Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Ann Mellick · Apr 21, 2018 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Light snow showers gave way to decreasing clouds and sunshine.

Snowpack

Classic spring isothermal snowpack with 9"-12" of new snow sitting on top. Some localized drifts of up to 18", though not widespread. New snow generally bonding well to the old snow surface (hard and dusty). Only instability noted was a few roller balls from steep rocky terrain below treeline. No slides observed. No cracking or collapsing. Solar radiation quickly baking new snow into mashed potatoes on sunny slopes. Northerly slopes well above treeline stayed cool, though that will likely change with anticipated warm-up on Sunday.

Avalanche

No slides observed.