Northern San Juan
AvalancheJeff Davis · Jan 2, 2022 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Beautiful bluebird day with light winds in the afternoon an ample sunshine.
Snowpack
The snowpack continues to adjust to the most recent load. Ample avalanche activity is bullseye information that dangerous conditions exist. In the alpine and on any open slope near or below treeline the most recent southwest and northwest winds have done damage to the snow surface creating stiff slabs, stripping slopes, and loading others. Looking at the snowpack on a north facing slope below treeline the most recent snow dominates almost the top meter of the snowpack, but the new snow sits on weak sugary snow closer to the ground. Extended Column tests produced propagating results from the 21st tap on the layer of facets above the ground. The block jumped off the column and landed in my lap. Sunny slopes showed signs of warming at lower elevations. No cracking or collapsing observed today but I continue to avoid all slopes over 35 degrees.
Avalanche
Lots of natural avalanches observed. They all occurred sometime during the most recent loading event which has been going on for the last week. Most avalanche were on North and east facing slopes but the most notable avalanche were on southerly facing slopes that likely occurred when the wind shifted to the north overnight on 1/1/22 and loaded shallower slopes. All avalanches observed were large enough to injure or bury a human.