Northern San Juan

Quick report

Krista Beyer · Jan 22, 2026 · Northern San Juan

View on map
Observation photo 1Observation photo 2Observation photo 3Observation photo 4Observation photo 5Observation photo 6Observation photo 7Observation photo 8Observation photo 9

Weather

Moisture is inbound! High Cirrus clouds formed throughout the day, signaling the arrival of Pacific moisture from the closed low system hovering off the coast of California. It's a good sight after a long period without much more than high winds. This is hopefully the start of a storm that will add some much needed low density snow to our snowpack Friday through Sunday. Todays temps were slightly above average, but still below freezing. Light winds turned westerly and will shift to a southwest flow with the incoming system. Temperatures will drop as snow arrives, keeping snow densities low.

Snowpack

North through east slopes are a shaky foundation of facets near and below treeline. More exposed areas have a thin breakable wind skim covering the facets. Above teeline is a moonscape of heavily wind-affected terrain with wind scoured slopes, firm wind slabs, and ribbons of lower-angle dishes that still contain softer snow. Slick firm slabs, scoured ridges, and near-surface facets will make up the interface for new snowfall.