Northern San Juan
AvalancheSusan Hale Ann Mellick · Apr 4, 2017 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Snowing S-1, breezy, cold northerly wind with occasional gusts to 25. Winds had generally subsided from earlier speeds of 25+ Gust 40's.
Snowpack
New snow varied in depth from 6-10 inches. Low level winds caused extensive drifting along the hwy and on leeward slopes (low density new snow was and easily transported). Continuous snowfall, cold temps and winds limited surface heating, though radiation from strong April sun penetrated clouds and stiffened the snow surface on southerly slopes.
Avalanche
Did not observe any significant natural activity - however visibility was poor. Triggered small sluffs (D1) on steep north facing slopes. Slides sheeted off a smooth weak interface within the new snow.