Southern San Juan

Avalanche

Mark Mueller · Mar 23, 2020 · Southern San Juan

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Weather

Increasing clouds and wind as the day progressed. Wind transport was severe at Pass level. Temperatures in the mid 30s at Pass level. Light snow began at 1400. Snow depths; Cumbres Pass 60", Cumbres Trestle 58", La Manga Pass 42".

Snowpack

I found settled new snow amounts in the 4-6" range at both Passes. The bond to the old snow surface was strong. Strong winds out of the west recently and today.

Avalanche

Observed recent activity was limited to loose snow (probably wet, but too distant to tell) avalanches out of the rock rim above Elk Creek on the La Manga side. NE aspect below TL. WLNR2D1.5-2, x3.