Northern San Juan
AvalancheJeff Davis Ann Mellick · Mar 12, 2018 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Warm, sunny, and spring day. Fluffy clouds.
Snowpack
Today, felt like the warmest day so far. We traveled on south-facing slopes at all elevations. Warm temperatures quickly heated the snow surface at lower elevations. The snowpack below treeline on southerly's is thin and is turning isothermal. The snowpack got colder and dryer the higher We got in elevation. Southerly slopes above treeline are not quite into the spring cycle yet, and skiing conditions were variable. The dust layer has made its way to the surface and is accelerating the melting process, especially near and below tree line. No cracking or collapsing. However snow strength was breaking down below tree line with a few large pinwheels triggered from ski pressure.
Avalanche
No new avalanche activity observed.