Northern San Juan

Snowpack

Typical snow depth was 20 - 45 cm. The snow was talkative with audible collapsing in areas where wind transport has created isolated patches of windslab. Snow underfoot was unconsolidated 'sugar' snow typical of a decomposing snowpack. Recent cold temperatures combined with a shallow snowpack are driving a temperature gradient that promotes faceting. This gradient is decomposing the slab at shallow below-tree-line elevations. Digging on a NE <TL slope revealed fist hardness from top to bottom with a 15cm layer of 3mm facets at the ground and 1-2 mm facets above. By staying light on your feet and turning carefully you can get a few good turns in before sharpening your edges on a rock.