Northern San Juan
SnowpackAmy Pertuz · Feb 20, 2023 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Mostly sunny skies with windy conditions at ridgetop this morning. Westerly winds had little snow left to transport, but small plumes could be seen in isolated ridgetop locations. Temperatures were mild, reaching into the twenties in the alpine, with above freezing temps at pass level.
Snowpack
Warm temperatures have settled last week's storm snow, with thickened surfaces remaining dry above 11,200ft and moistening/crusty surfaces at lower elevations. Near the treeline, the surface has developed small facets, though the surface layer is thickened from wind drifting and settlement and is 4F to 1F in hardness. On easterly aspects ranging from 11,000 to 12,000ft, a thin layer of near-surface facets could be found under last week's storm snow, from 40-45cm below the surface. This layer produced clean shears and propagating failures in Extended Column Tests, but was not reactive to skier pressure on small test slopes. Surfaces in the alpine were wind-battered and highly variable, with thick drifted areas still holding continuous coverage, especially on easterlies, and many west and north-facing slopes looking hammered.