Northern San Juan

Snowpack

Ann Mellick · Mar 29, 2013 · Northern San Juan

Weather

An insignificant skiff of snow fell overnight over much of the Hwy 550 and CR2 corridors. Clouds increased through the day with convective storms beginning by noon. Waves of virga or very light snow showers (no accum) followed by periods of sunshine continued through the day. Overall warm and springlike below blustery ridgelines.

Snowpack

The snowpack is continuing to transition with recent mild temperatures. Surface melting is ocurring on all aspects and elevations with exception to above tl N and NE aspects (maybe NW as well, but we did not go there). The snowpack in this area is significantly thinner than around the RMP region, thus has been more susceptible to the spring warm up. Lots of long running wet loose slides in gully features and out of the many craggy areas. Because the snowpack is thin and largely cohesionless, wet slabs will become increasingly likely on shadier slopes if warm temps continue.