Northern San Juan
AvalancheKrista Beyer · Dec 30, 2024 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Intermittent S1 throughout the morning and moderate southwest winds. About five inches of snow fell in the past 24 hours, further adding to the accumulation since December 25th.
Snowpack
About 25 inches of snow has accumulated in the past five days. High winds yesterday drifted snow onto lee slopes. Thick drifted slabs up to 70cm thick can be found at upper elevations on northeast slopes. On more sheltered slopes with minor drifting, snow has settled into soft Fist- hard slabs about 15 inches thick. Regardless of the thickness or stiffness of the slab, this recent snow is sitting on top of a fully faceted snowpack. Test results are included in the media, but the short story is that I observed moderate propagating results in areas with firmer wind-drifted slabs and softer settled slabs. It was difficult to see natural activity above treeline due to visibility, but the incremental accumulation of this storm appears to be developing a stressed snowpack waiting for a trigger like a skier or rider. Below treeline areas have abundant evidence of natural activity and continue to crack and collapse even near previous ski tracks.
Avalanche
Natural activity on open west-facing slopes and east-facing below treeline slopes.