Northern San Juan

Snowpack

Rebecca Hodgetts · Feb 24, 2024 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Clear and warm with temperatures around 36F at 11 am. Light westerly winds.

Snowpack

Snowpack depth was variable above the treeline, and recent winds had efficiently redistributed most snow to north and east-facing slopes. The SOutherly slope had a 1-4cm thick melt-freeze crust at the surface that was becoming moist by mid-day. The incoming storm begins overnight on Monday, so I anticipate poor bonding at the snow surface. The greater concern on these slopes is the buried facet/crust combinations within the upper 40cm of the snowpack. WInd hardened surfaces are a likely interface problem with more snow and winds from the southwest forecast.