Southern San Juan
SnowpackJeff Davis · Dec 7, 2016 · Southern San Juan
Weather
Very cold, clear and windy day. Moderate wind-loading was observed in the high alpine.
Snowpack
A tr" of light and dry snow fell in the La Plata Mountains in the past 24 hours. Strong northerly winds easily transported the new snow onto lee-ward slopes. Today, I traveled near and below treeline on S-SE-E-NE slopes. The HS of the slopes traveled ranged from 10cm-80cm's The deepest pockets of snow were found just above treeline on east facing slopes that were loaded following last weeks storm. The lowest HS was observed on south and east facing slopes below treeline at low elevations. The snowpack below treeline was weak. Facets were observed at the bottom of the snowpack while the surface snow settled into a soft-slab. The average HS in that below-treeine area was between 30-50cm's. Near-treeline in open areas winds have scoured ridgelines and created a stronger slab on the surface. Sastrugi was observed on open slopes. (See attached photo) On slopes that are affected by the sun a stout sun-crust continues to develop. No collapse or crack were observed on the tour today.