Northern San Juan
AvalancheSan Juan Forecasters · Dec 11, 2018 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Overcast skies and light snowfall this morning, with clearing skies by 10am. Strong and gusty westerly winds in the alpine.
Snowpack
We are about a week and a half out from our most recent large loading event below treeline. Areas near and above treeline have seen several wind events, including another today: Westerly winds picked up overnight and continued through the day, moving available snow onto lee easterly terrain. The snowpack below treeline continues to facet and loose cohesion. Extended column tests showed mixed results with 2 of 3 tests resulting in fractures below the shovel, but no propagation. The third test resulted in an ECTP 20 at the new(er)/old snow interface. No cracking or collapsing. Boot penetration is to ground on many below treeline slopes.
Avalanche
We saw a couple fresh slides on easterly terrain above treeline from wind loading overnight/today.