Southern San Juan
SnowpackChris Bilbrey · Dec 15, 2018 · Southern San Juan
Weather
Warm and sunny.
Snowpack
Strong wind event last Wednesday and Thursday hammered this area. Evidence of wind observed below treeline starting around 10,800 ft. Near treeline northerly-facing slopes are a mixture of sastrugi and wind-board. Most northerly-facing slopes above treeline are wind-scoured with significant snow loss since one week prior. Stubborn wind-slab found on east, southeast, and south-facing slopes near and above treeline. Experienced numerous collapses in wind-drifted pillows below ridges, but no cracking. On north through northeast to east-facing slopes near and below treeline, overall weak snowpack structure remains despite a reduction in surface slab depth. Experienced several loud collapses along with shooting cracks while skiing a 30 degree, northeast-facing slope below treeline. ECTs still produced propagating results on weak facets above a firm crust even after collapsing and cracking. Although triggering an avalanche is unlikely below treeline, the slab and weak layer combination in concerning and using caution around steeper open slopes or convexities below treeline is still advised.