Northern San Juan
AvalancheJeff Davis · Jan 14, 2021 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Clear, windy, and mild temperatures.
Snowpack
Blowing snow was observed at all elevations, but the most intense transport was noted near and above treeline. Strong northwest winds were moving snow onto leeward slopes, but due to the amount of dry snow available loading was overall modest. Windward slopes were stripped and the surface looked battered. With the strength of the wind, blowing snow was either sublimating or loading leeward slope near treeline. Even below treeline a 5-10 cm new surface slab has developed. Digging on an east-northeast slope below treeline the entire snowpack continues to facet. Propagation in extended column test was not observed today, but the poor structure of a decomposing slab sitting over a weak faceted layer (Dec 11th) persists. Cracking was isolated to the surface slab breaking around my skis and no collapses.
Avalanche
No new avalanche activity observed today.