Northern San Juan
AvalancheJeff Davis · Feb 26, 2017 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Cold winter-like day with temperatures in the low teens and moderate winds out of the southwest. Sky was clear in the morning, but clouds quickly developed in the afternoon while a few intermittent snow showers were observed.
Snowpack
Southwest winds continue to move snow onto leeward slopes. On most slopes near and below treeline the new snow is bonding well to the existing surface. In the alpine on exposed slopes recent winds continue to build slabs over weaker snow. Large cornices were observed on E and NE slopes. Cold temperatures continue to keep the new snow dry on most slopes. No collapsing was observed on our tour.
Avalanche
A D2 avalanche was observed in Nevada basin on a NE facing slope near-treeline. Hard to know if it was Human triggered or went natural, but the debris was set-up. Guessing it was at least a day old and went sometime yesterday. Avalanche may have been triggered on a cross-loaded feature mid-path, but visibility made it difficult to see.