Northern San Juan

Snowpack

Susan Hale · Jan 8, 2014 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

The wx & snow info above is from study plots. Winds near and below treeline were generally SW - WSW. Snowfall generally S1 the entire time I was out.

Snowpack

Variable snowpack with slight aspect change or proximity to trees or ridge features. Traveled up narrow treed generally W facing ridge - encountered lots of large, stiff drifts caught up in the trees on the windward side (area open to NW winds). Here, snow was supportive with only 20cm boot pen. On more leeward or protected aspects (often WSW to SW) found the opposite - often unsupportive with facets and/or facet crust combos so weak in areas skis would sink. On this W-SW uptrack found some similarities to the E aspect findings of 2 days ago...cracking on or below buried crust/facet layer.