Northern San Juan
AvalancheJeff Davis · Jan 18, 2017 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Sunny and warm day. Strong solar observed. Winds were moderate out of the NW especially at higher elevations. Flagging was observed high in the alpine.
Snowpack
Traveled to 12,700 feet on N-NE facing slopes. Generally strong snowpack observed. Surface Hoar and near surface facets were observed on all protected slopes. No collapsing and isolated cracking was observed in surface slabs created by previous wind transport on exposed slopes and just below ridgelines. On Solar slopes long natural Loose Dry avalanches occurred as the snow surface warmed in the afternoon. Snow surface continued feel heavy.
Avalanche
Long running Loose Dry avalanches observed on steep solar slopes in the afternoon. There was also allot of evidence of the natural cycle the occurred on 1/14/17. A few Slab avalanches pulled out during that time period on near mid-path rock bands and cross-loaded terrain features.