Southern San Juan
SnowpackBrant Wiles · Jan 4, 2016 · Southern San Juan
Weather
Calm winds the entire weekend and mild temps.
Snowpack
Light low density snow (15 -30cm) resting on stiff mid-pack was observed across the area. Observed continued settlement and remarkable settlement cones in trees. Observed several small avalanches on E aspects looked to be triggered by cornice fall and they appeared to be from the end of the Christmas storm cycle with debris now covered by last weeks low density snow Boot pen between 30cm - 10cms. Supportive mid-pack with little penetration with ski, boot or sled. Only exceptions were isolated wind blown shallow areas around small terrain features in open meadows that had unsupportive sugary snow. Dug and poked around in snow on a variety of aspects. Snow depth ranges from 130 cm to 210 cm. The light density snow on top was bonded well to underlying snow. Stiff midpack F hardness. With effort of digging out a snowmobile on a N aspect BTL broke into well developed facet layers 30cm from ground. Unable to detect buried surface hoar layer found in pit on 12/29 near Wolf Creek pass on an NE aspect NTL. Skied pitches up to 38 degrees with no Signs of Instability. No signs of instability observed the entire trip. Noted impressive travel by snowmobiles in the area on steep faces. Stayed in areas west of El Wood Cabin. Ridges and mountains further East showed more signs of heavy winds on the windward side.