Southern San Juan

Snowpack

We toured up to the NW Ridge of Lobo Overlook on Wolf Creek Pass to assess and ride a tree run. While skinning up we observed a storm slab on top of a cohesive old snow layer. Slopes were heavily wind loaded on north and east aspect. After digging a pit on a W, NW aspect above Gibbs Creek, we observed a snowpack 145 cm deep. The snow profile showed a storm slab on top a persistent slab layer. Below that were thick faceted layers. After conducting a sheer test, isolated column test, and ECT, we determined the snow was stable enough to ride. We took a tree line on the NW ridge and had a safe, DEEP ride. Aspect: NW Elevation: Near treeline