Northern San Juan
SnowpackMatt Huber · Mar 11, 2021 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Mostly clear skies with temperatures in the upper teens. Southwest winds were strong enough to visibly transport snow at and above treeline on most ridgelines. Loading was limited with with only a few inches of new snow available.
Snowpack
The snowpack depth on a west-northwest facing slope below treeline ranged from 60 to 85 centimeters. Open wind-exposed slopes and ridges are the only place I was able to find a supportable slab. The rest of the snowpack is made of 5-7 mm depth hoar separated by two crusts in the upper snowpack. Extended Column Tests produce propagating results with moderate force (ECTP 13-15) below the lowest crust on depth hoar. This particular path is a prime example of low danger does not mean no danger. Although small, pockets of previously developed wind slab exist over a very weak basal structure and should be avoided.