Southern San Juan

Snowpack

Mark Mueller · Apr 9, 2020 · Southern San Juan

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Weather

Scattered clouds, very warm temperatures (45-50F at Pass level) and moderate westerly winds. Increasing afternoon cloudiness with virga and scattered rain showers. Snow depths; Cumbres Trestle 51", Cumbres Pass 48", La Manga Pass 34".

Snowpack

We found the snowpack to be barely supportable after several nights of marginal freezing temperatures and no overnight freeze last night. The thick frozen surface crust easily broke down into bottomless moist facets. Discouraging and potentially dangerous backcountry conditions no matter what your mode of travel.