Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Chris Dickson · Apr 12, 2025 · Northern San Juan

View on map
Observation photo 1Observation photo 2Observation photo 3Observation photo 4Observation photo 5Observation photo 6

Weather

A light breeze and strong solar input meant conditions warmed quickly on southeast-facing terrain. There were some high stratus clouds forming to the west, but it was full sun while I was out, until 9:30am.

Snowpack

Mostly supportable surfaces out there, except for in the trees, where I found either a thin eggshell crust from overnight or the snow was fully wet still and unfrozen. In open meadows, the surface crust was about 20cm thick and wet and unfrozen below that. Above treeline, the crust was thicker and more firm. I traveled adjacent to some cornices, which were large and saggy, but still cold and frozen solid.

Avalanche

Wet Loose activity on Sunshine Mountain, Lizard Head Peak, and in the Wilson Range. Most of it appears several days old.