Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Ann Mellick Jeff Davis · Feb 11, 2019 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Cloudy, cold, windy and snowing (little accum). Poor visibility. Snow stopped by 2 pm with gradual clearing.

Snowpack

~2" storm total on top of RMP. Recent winds (a week of moderate to strong southerly winds, topped off by south winds averaging 30-40 mph, gusting into the 70s last night) have wreaked havoc on the alpine zone. Windward slopes are largely stripped to hard slab. All aspects hold firm surface slabs 1"-5" thick and hollow/drummy in some areas. Winds also affected open areas well below treeline leaving surface wind slabs of varying thickness and hardness. Some localized cracking noted in steep near treeline terrain, with very small surface slides in stiff snow. No collapsing.

Avalanche

None noted even with partial clearing early in the afternoon.