Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Jeff Davis · Jan 20, 2017 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Light snow fell throughout the duration of the tour. Winds were calm BTL, but we observed to be stronger near and above treeline. Flagging was observed on exposed ridges. Temperatures were mild.

Snowpack

8" of low density snow was observed in this area. The new snow is falling on surface crusts at lower elevations on South and West facing slopes. On East and North facing slopes the new snow is falling on weaker faceted snow. The new snow does not seem to be bonding well to the existing surface, but was not an issue on most slopes due to lack of volume and slab quality. Sluffing was observed on steep slopes and the new snow was forming soft-slabs on exposed ridgelines. Moderate SW winds continue to load leeward slopes.

Avalanche

R1 D1 skier triggered Storm Slab avalanche observed on very steep NE facing slope.