Northern San Juan

Snowpack

Ann Mellick · Mar 7, 2016 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Sunny and trying to clear, yet still snowing lightly. Ambient air temp was cool, but sun felt very warm.

Snowpack

New snow totals are quite variable- even across short distances. Average new snow depth seemed to be about 7", though many areas held a foot or more. New snow was wind abraided and fairly dense with a flour-like consistency. Snow was well bonded to the old snow surface on sunnier slopes, even where it had loaded into deeper drifts. Overall, shadier slopes showed some signs of instability. Periods of sunshine quickly warmed new snow with intense radiation triggering some minor roller balls and making for squeaky, 'hot powder' conditions.