Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Jeff Davis · Dec 29, 2016 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Clam, clear, and cool. Winds subsided today and wind-loading was not observed for the first time in 4 days.

Snowpack

The snow surface has obviously be affected by recent strong winds. Firm pockets of wind-affected snow was observed near ridgelines. The surface of open windward slopes resembled sastrugi. On the firm wind slabs is was hard to set and edge and they didn't break or crack when jumped on. South and west facing slopes developed a thin melt-freeze crust following today's strong solar affect. Snow on shady slopes continues to stay cold and dry. Surface hoar was observed in protected areas.

Avalanche

Multiple old natural avalanches observed in this area. All are expected to have run following the holiday storm.