Northern San Juan
AvalancheSusan Hale · Feb 11, 2017 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Light breeze at pass level with occasional gusty conditions around terrain features. Temps unseasonably warm at 38F. Previous strong winds and daytime cloud cover have likely helped keep the pack cooler than expected...
Snowpack
Snpx holding up surprisingly well considering the long stretch of warm temps, including two nights without freezes below 11,000 ft. Looked at E and W aspects below treeline in paths that frequently affect the highway (Brooklyn I and Silver Ledge Mine). Found crusts with very winter-like snow below surface - only slightly moist just below these crusts.
Avalanche
We had one day of increased wet-loose activity (10th?). While temps remained warm, this activity seemed to have run it's course. The Gorge was especially active during that time, but surprisingly, other areas like the Ledges remained intact. The Brooklyns had minor sluff activity that was mostly confined to the upper rock-bands.