Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Mike Barney · Jan 20, 2021 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Broken skies became scattered with light north winds mid-day and temperatures around 26 degrees at 11,500'

Snowpack

Snowpack on north-facing slopes near and below treeling was 3 to 5mm surface hoar on 5 to 7cm of new snow that rests on weak facets. The snow was 60 to 80cm deep with around 60cm boot penetration and 25 to 35cm ski pen. Local cracking and collapsing throughout the day mostly in the trees but it was also observed in open areas. The snowpack on south and west facing slopes above treeline was 20 to 40cm deep. No slabs where I traveled and it won't take much new snow for the next avalanche cycle on Slumgullion Pass.

Avalanche

None observed