Northern San Juan
AvalancheJeff Davis Chris Bilbrey · Feb 26, 2020 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Beautiful day in the mountains. Lots of sunshine to start the day with a brief period of clouds in the afternoon. Temperatures started chilly, but warmed as the day progressed. Northwest winds gusty above treeline, but overall calm.
Snowpack
Since Sunday an estimated 6-8 inches of snow has falling in the Arrastra gulch area. Strong northwest winds during and following the storm has redistributed the snow and stiffened the snow surface on open slopes near and above treeline. On protected slopes the surface was a bit dryer, but still breakable in areas. Southerly slopes warmed in the afternoon sunshine - small surface rollerballs while kicking around on southerly-facing terrain.
Avalanche
Observed a small rider-triggered avalanche on a northeast facing slopes near-treeline. We also observed evidence of a natural cycle that occurred during the wind event. None of the avalanches appear to have stepped down.