Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Matt Huber · Mar 31, 2021 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Warm temperatures and clear skies.

Snowpack

On a northwest-facing slope, below treeline, the total snowpack depth is about 50-75 centimeters. A stout, 5-10 centimeter crust is at the surface, breakable with extra effort. Evidence of water percolating through the top third of the snowpack is obvious. A density change in the 5-7mm depth hoar crystals 20-30 cm from the ground is where the evidence ends though, with the basal depth hoar remaining cold, dry and very angular.

Avalanche

Two recent avalanches above treeline observed. One on a northeast aspect that was too far away to determine if it was wet or dry. Another looked like it was triggered by natural cornice fall, and a mix of wet and dry.