Northern San Juan

Avalanche

Angela Hawse · Jan 9, 2017 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Raining in Ouray. At 10:00 a.m. the rain/snow line was at 8,750' with a frozen mix to 9100' where it transitioned to snowing S1. Skies obscured and light wind down valley but it sounded strong at ridge tops. Temperature at 9100' was 0ºc at 10:30.

Snowpack

Did not dig a pit but at 9100' surface temp and T20 were both 0ºc. Snow was moist with 1F density down 40cm and dry 4F beneath. Appeared well bonded but did not do any tests. Observed many large roller balls on all aspects on moderate and steep slopes.

Avalanche

Observed the slope above The Ribbon avalanche, estimating it to be R2-D1.5.