Northern San Juan

Snowpack

Susan Hale · Dec 14, 2012 · Northern San Juan

Weather

Snowfall rates during tour generally S1 with a few periods of S2. On the drive along the highway (especially south of Silverton) the avg rate was S2. With light SW winds during the tour, moderate SW winds at ridgecrest. New snow depth varied with aspect, with some drifted locations up to a foot.

Snowpack

Remained below treeline in somewhat wind protected areas. New snow was low density, varying between 6" to 12" deep depending on terrain features. This light SS is perched on weak basal facets that allow it to easily sluff out on steeper terrain, but did not experience shooting cracks (just cracking under foot). Visibility was too poor to gather obs elsewhere up high. However, on the drive south toward Coal Bank Pass (where there's a bit more snow - 9"/.9") observed one shallow SS-N-R1D1.5 at Coal Creek. Ran to edge of road. See aval.