Northern San Juan
SnowpackChris Cronin · Jan 27, 2013 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Saturday January 26th was cloudy and snowing with temperatures reaching 35-40 degrees F at 9200ft. Snowfall was very wet and heavy, melting on impact in places previously vacant of snow. Temperatures dropped to 30 F around 6:00pm and snow began accumulating through the evening until about 11:00pm. Sunday was mostly clear and warm with temperatures reaching 42 F at 9200ft.. A light wind picked up around 1:00pm with gusts of 5-10mph. By 4:00 the temperature at 11,500ft was around 26 F.
Snowpack
Current snow pack resting on a significant layer of depth hoar . A melt freeze crust is resting on the weak faceted layer with more faceted layers above. Warmer temperatures caused roller balls on steeper slopes exposed to consistent sun. Some minor slides consisting of the recent 12cm storm layer occurred on steeper slopes and running for 20-30meters. Recent wind also creating minor wind slabs on NE aspects.