Northern San Juan
AvalancheAmy Pertuz · Jan 31, 2020 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Cool. Clouds increased through day to overcast by early afternoon. Winds were moderate and steady out of the NW, and some pluming was seen from specific high ridges but we did not observe significant or widespread blowing snow during the day today. Some evidence seem in less protected areas, even below treeline, of Thursday’s NW winds. Temps did not warm up enough today to affect sunny aspects.
Snowpack
A few inches of new snow. Evidence of NW winds was visible in the alpine, though surface conditions near and below treeline remained soft except the most exposed areas. Crusts could still be felt on SE-W aspects below treeline. Near treeline, found some poor structure in E and SE slopes, but no signs of reactivity. Skied NE aspect from treeline; winds had come right up this feature last night. No cracks, whumphs or signs of instability.
Avalanche
Saw a very small slab south of Richmond in a steep, crossloaded E aspect above treeline, D1, new/drifted snow.