Northern San Juan
AvalancheColin Mitchell · Oct 24, 2022 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Cool and brisk. Skies were clearing south to north through the day. The tops of the peaks around Red Mountain Pass were still mostly in the clouds at 13:00. Intermittent, light snow showers carried on until midday north of Red Mountain Pass.
Snowpack
The 550 corridor received 5-10" of new snow from the latest storm favoring the north side of Red Mountain Pass. Coal Bank received 6" with about 0.9" of water equivalent. Molas got 5" with 0.8" water equivalent. The snow fell on warm bare ground and wasn't enough to smooth over the grass and talus in the avalanche paths on this highway section. Forecasters measured 9" with 1.0" of water equivalent on Red Mountain Pass, and although some grass was poking through, the ground roughness was starting to disappear in the paths near the top of the pass. The Monument station received around 6" of new snow, though amounts tapered off rapidly moving north towards Ouray. The East Riveside start zone stayed in the clouds through the afternoon, but nearby north-facing above-treeline slopes had significant coverage.
Avalanche
No avalanche activity observed