Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Jeff Davis · Jan 8, 2021 · Southern San Juan

View on map

Weather

Warm, clear and calm at pass level.

Snowpack

Shallow and weak is the best way to describe the snowpack in below treeline avalanche paths south of Silverton. Snow depth of under 1 meter was observed on all slopes I travel today. Rocks and grass are still visible in many paths and most slopes lack a smooth surface. All that said the snow that is on the ground is weak and the facets and depth-hoar continue to grow. Though the slab at the surface is breaking down, even the slightest change in hand-hardness produced moderate propagating failures in some areas ECTs. Cracking and collapsing observed specifically on slops with a stiffer surface due to recent winds.

Avalanche

No new avalanches in highway paths observed.