Northern San Juan
SnowpackMichael Remke · Mar 27, 2011 · Northern San Juan
Weather
The day begun clear and warm with calm winds. We remained above treeline from 10 am until about 5 pm. As the day progressed south-southwest winds picked up and light snow began to fall after 5.
Snowpack
Fresh snow was able for transport under the weight of a skier or rider but overall on south facing slopes the snowpack was well bounded and stable. A dust layer was visible on the surface in some areas and many areas were wind scored. Large wind slabs existed on northern slopes. Our fabric successfully created a layer of large hoar crystals as we were setting it up, just as it is suppose to do. The study will continue to manipulate snowpack for the rest of the season until there is no snow left, even when buried the rate of which snow metamorphoses under the fabric is accelerated.