Southern San Juan
AvalancheMyriam Jamison · Dec 13, 2020 · Southern San Juan
Weather
Sunny with calm winds and no precipitation. Scattered cirrus clouds.
Snowpack
Snowpack was measured to 110 cm deep. Wind loading from the southwest and recent heavy precipitation have appreciated to the development of a problematic slab. The upper seven centimeters of the snowpack consists of a wind slab that has bound somewhat well with previously deposited precipitation (measured at 22 centimeters). Beneath these two layers sits a persistent crust approximately 1 cm deep. CT and ECT tests showed failure between newly deposited snow and this persistent crust. North-facing and northeast facing areas with wind loading appear to be especially at risk of producing slides consisting of the upper 29 centimeters of the snow column. Loud "whoomphing" noises were recorded in multiple instances while traveling across wind deposited areas.
Avalanche
Small sluffs were seen on nearby southeast facing slopes. No avalanches were recorded.