Northern San Juan
AvalancheJeff Davis · Dec 19, 2019 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Beautiful day to be in the mountains. North winds increased in the afternoon, but were calm for most of the day.
Snowpack
Recent winds have done a number to the alpine. Large drummy hard slabs, cornices, and drifted pillows were observed on many slopes below ridge-lines and in start zones. We avoided these. On west and northwest facing slopes below-treeline the snowpack is between 50-100 cm's and well into the faceting process. The snow remains soft but bottomless. No cracking or collapsing.
Avalanche
A natural avalanche on a south facing slope was observed near Silver Mountain above Ophir pass road. This avalanche was likely triggered in the last 48 hours by warming. Also, a member of the group triggered a sluff slide on a steep gully feature as we exited the Nevada area.