Northern San Juan

Snowpack

Wildly variable. On southerly aspects (where there's snow) the MF crusts are becoming a bit thicker (ranging 2"-4" thick). Some areas have a MF sandwich with facets between and a dusting of facets on the surface. Nrly aspects near and above TL are very wind damaged and thus highly variable from recent "steady" N and NW flow. Areas to watch for the greatest wind load would be ridge crests & cross-loaded gully features on lee aspects (and I emphasize the variable nature of those lee aspects, as we experienced southerly winds near one ridge due to local terrain features). The slightest change in aspect would present a patch of riffle snow or alternately a lens of wind slab - some breakable & some supportive. It is so variable that hazard is now quite pockety. Nrly aspects BTL remain quite weak with persistent loose faceted snow in most areas. We did noticed however a few locations in the trees where the upper pack had gained a little strength and was more supportive. E & W aspects near and above TL are both wind and sun affected - reports of variable conditions as well. E & W below TL have variable MF crusts with occasional pockets of decent skiing where protected. Lots of Holiday shopping-around to do to find OK snow...