Northern San Juan

Quick report

Krista Beyer · Jan 27, 2026 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Calm, clear, and cold (although the sun is a real heater)

Snowpack

Near and below treeline was generally soft on soft (Fist +/- and 4F layers of recent precip over facets). Aspects that tilted more east contained a thin mid-pack crust at the interface of new and old snow. Despite the strong winds, no developed slab was observed during our travels. Recent snow has settled and remains supportable to ski pressure. Loose activity may be in the cards on very steep north-facing isolated terrain, but for now the faceting process must carry on before it becomes more of a specific problem. Pit tests indicate good bonding at the new/old interface.

Avalanche

A handful of natural avalanches form the storm cycle. Small in size. One natural loose dry out of some north-facing cliffs demonstrates instability at the start of the storm in weak faceted snow.