Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Josh Hirshberg · Feb 26, 2017 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Clear in the early AM, becoming overcast w/ thin clouds, then scattered clouds by sunset. Light S-1 snow in mid-afternoon. accumulations weren't measurable. At 12,000ft moderate WNW winds and light blowing snow. Observed plumes of wind transported snow on Abrams and Red 1 at 8:30a.

Snowpack

Dramatic change in snow surface between 11,900ft and 11,600ft. Firm wind drifts, texturing, and scouring above treeline and above 11,700ft. Slight wind stiffened snow near ridgetops @ 11,700ft. Very soft surface w/ no effects of wind below 11,700ft. Most signs of drifting and Wind Slabs in the area were on NE-SE above TL. Skiing and test slopes up to 40° produced no slough or signs of instability

Avalanche

Heard report of large natural cornice-drop triggered slab avalanche on a loaded slope near Putney and another skier triggered cornice drop producing a small slab on an adjacent slope. Did not see either of these 1st hand.