Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Amy Pertuz · Feb 20, 2020 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Crisp, clear, light westerly winds. High solar radiation, cool in the shadows. Great day to be in the alpine.

Snowpack

Some wind affected snow can be found in the alpine, but protected areas harbor softer surface conditions. Northerly aspects had a variety of wind pressed and wind-crusted surface conditions, with silky near surface facets down in the trees. South and east aspects did not appear to get surface wetting. Skied a NE aspect 35-40 degrees, lightly wind-pressed but no windslab or near surface issues. Lots of ski testing happening in a variety of aspects.

Avalanche

Saw a small cornice drop on an E aspect ATL, which entrained some shallow surface snow, but remained at D1. Probably 3-4 days old. No other recent activity.