Southern San Juan
SnowpackMatt Huber · Dec 7, 2022 · Southern San Juan
Weather
Southwest winds were strong enough to drift new snow near treeline throughout the trip. About an inch of snow accumulated on the storm board during the few hours I was out
Snowpack
The snowpack near and below treeline is touchy. Significant cracking, collapsing and rolling thunder style whumpfs could be found on all slopes that had snow cover during the November dry spell. I was unable to get into the alpine terrain similar conditions would be expected. Although touchy, very steep slopes were the only ones supporting significant avalanching. This is likely changing with continued loading and slab stiffening. The failures all appear to be happening on the persistent weak layer that formed during the November dry spell, mainly near surface facets.