Northern San Juan

Snowpack

Jason Bushey · Dec 9, 2019 · Northern San Juan

Weather

Clear, warming until 2:30pm then clouds rolled in and radiation was reduced. Minimal wind.

Snowpack

Travelled below treeline on West aspect. 16" of new snow, boot top trail breaking. Storm slab was reactive on slopes at or over 40 degrees, especially around slopes with rocks or warming. Slopes up to 35 were not reactive to storm slab. HS ranged from 80-90cm and ground depth hoar layer had a minimal distribution and was never more than 8-10cm when found, which was typically found in shaded areas on north side of trees. No collapsing or cracking observed with the new snow load. A crust layer sat above the facet layer as well and could provide a layer of concern. A facet layer existed mid pack (~40cm from surface) but slab on top was fist level and not gaining cohesiveness at this time. In NW facing trees depth hoar distribution was greater observed from pole tests, but no cracking or collapsing observed and again, 8-10cm of facets depth with HS 90-100cm and typically right side up snowpack above the facet layer.