Northern San Juan
SnowpackAnn Mellick Susan Hale · Dec 5, 2016 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Mild temperatures at pass level, but quite cold above treeline, especially with the wind chill added in. Gusts above treeline in the 40's. Strong winds were affecting even below treeline areas.
Snowpack
Recent cold and then mild and windy weather has made for quite a variable snowpack. Snowpack differs greatly depending aspect and elevation. Below treeline: crusts have formed on sunny slopes, while shady slopes continue to loose strength/cohesion by the day. Near and above treeline areas have been battered by north, south and westerly winds over the past couple days, with some windslab formation below ridgelines on north and easterly terrain.