Southern San Juan
SnowpackChris Bilbrey · Jan 16, 2019 · Southern San Juan
Weather
Temperatures ranged low to mid 20's, snowfall throughout the day varying between S-1 and S2, and light to moderate SW winds. A brief period of sunshine late morning added a thin crust on south aspects. New snow depth varied between 10-15" with 20" in wind-drifted areas throughout the tour. Measured 12" of new snow and 1.3" SWE on ESE aspect at 10,700 feet.
Snowpack
Over a foot of dense storm snow and evidence of wind-transport along ridges. Storm slabs appeared stubborn to weight of a person and no results using small, non-consequential test slopes. Experienced a handful of loud collapses primarily below 10,000 feet. Surface cracks only traveled a short distance with collapses. All ECTs on various aspects produced propagating results at storm interface and deeper weak layers still producing propagating results. A short break in the clouds late morning provided a brief view of some terrain and noticed a couple D2 naturals on west aspects near treeline.