Northern San Juan
SnowpackAnn Mellick · Jan 15, 2022 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Sunny and mild despite the single digit overnight lows. Brisk north winds continued above treeline today, though little to no snow remains available to move.
Snowpack
Sun, wind, and alternating warm and cold temperatures continue to change the snowpack. Sunny slopes hold 1"-4" thick surface crusts, with facets below in many places. Shady slopes below treeline are loosing cohesion as the faceting process eats away at the December slab. The snowpack in near and above treeline areas has been truly battered by winds from the south, west and north. Last night's strong northerly winds left behind deeply etched sastrugi, raised ski tracks and pillows and drifts of snow behind terrain features and vegetation. Surface slabs (2"-6" thick) have become quite stiff and drummy. I felt several whumphs while traveling on these slabs on a northeast aspect near treeline.