Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Jeff Davis · Jan 4, 2019 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Beautiful day in the San Juan Mountains. Warm tempatures, light wind, and ample sunshine.

Snowpack

Large Surface Hoar observed in protected areas. Warm temperatures and ample sunshine quickly melted the surface hoar while settling and warming the snow on sunny and low elevation slopes. The snowpack below treeline on east and northeast facing slopes has very little slab, but sit above weak sugary snow. No cracking or collapsing observed. 2 extended column tests produce no propagating results on an east facing slope below treeline. Lots of warming and sticky snow in the afternoon.

Avalanche

Multiple Wet Loose avalanches observed on sunny slopes in the afternoon. Most were small.