Northern San Juan
SnowpackKrista Beyer · Jan 15, 2025 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Sunshine and cold temperatures in the morning gradually rose to above freezing by noon at 11,000 ft. This week we'll see two days of warmer temperatures before an Arctic airmass arrives in Colorado Friday and temperatures plummet to pipe-freezing conditions again. Calm winds made for a pleasant day out in the mountains.
Snowpack
I traveled primarily on northwest slopes. Near and below treeline slopes held ample soft snow from January snowfall sitting above the December drought layer. Near treeline elevations failed to have observable firm wind slabs in the upper pack and boot penetration was to the ground. On slopes that transitioned on the upper reaches of near treeline to above treeline near 11900 ft, firm slabs of wind-drifted snow could be found near the surface on many slopes. There is available soft snow for transport near treeline for when the north winds return over the weekend. Shallow early season hazards exist to induce some expensive snowmobile repair. South slopes maintain a shallow snowpack.