Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Amy Pertuz · Mar 19, 2020 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Light snow in the afternoon tapered off at the end of the day. Winds were moderate out of the SW, but blowing snow was limited. Mild temps.

Snowpack

HST 14” below treeline and more on near -treeline Northerlies. With warm temps on Wednesday and the wind tapering at end of the storm, new snow is well bonded and right side up. Some lightly wind affected snow observed near and above treeline, but widespread rearrangement by the SW winds did not happen. Did not encounter slabby snow, and did not have any issues with bonding on slopes 35 or less, variety of aspects. I would be more cautious on steep, Northely convexities. No moist snow remains under recent storm snow on SE aspects.

Avalanche

Poor visibility, but storm cleared in late afternoon and no naturals seen in pass summit area. No cracks, collapses, or other signs of instability.