Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Jeff Davis · Feb 12, 2017 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Another warm storm for the San Juan's. Snow was dryer the higher you went in elevation. Snow was falling straight down!

Snowpack

New snow wasn't bonding well on open steep slopes at all elevations. After a good freeze last night the surface under the new snow has become a firm crust BTL. The new snow bonded well below treeline on protected slopes that were wet as the snow fell. The new snow is is have difficulty bonding to slabs and slick surfaces in the alpine. These surfaces were made by strong winds and big temperature fluctuations. Overall, the new snow seems to be the hazard and due to the denesty of the snow sluff management is key. Below approximately 9,500 the new snow was much thicker, but still produced some nice riding conditions.

Avalanche

Lots of small avalanches in the new snow on steep slopes.