Northern San Juan
AvalancheJeff Davis · Dec 8, 2019 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Snow fell in the Ophir area throughout the day. Precipitation rates varied from just flurries to S2. Temperatures were in the 20' with southwest winds 15-20 mph.
Snowpack
Today's new snow fell on a variety of snow surfaces ranging from near-surface facets on shady slopes to crusts on sunny slopes. The storm snow was reactive on the crust layer on slopes steeper than 35 degrees, but the new snow did not propagate beyond the tips and tails of the skis. Moderate wind-loading observed near and above treeline. Wind-drifts in the new snow were up to a meter deep, but were not reactive to ski pressure. No cracking or collapsing below treeline. Did not travel into the alpine due to weather conditions and visibility.
Avalanche
No natural avalanche activity observed in the Ophir area during the tour, but visibility was limited.