Northern San Juan
SnowpackSusan Hale · Apr 10, 2011 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Mostly light snowfall with light NW winds during entire tour. (Seemed downright calm compared to previous day's winds.)
Snowpack
Cold temps and cloud-cover kept the new snow winter-like all day. Where I was, new snow was well bonded to older interfaces. Only on the steepest slopes were there any surface sluffs under skis. Tentatively approached the slopes just above treeline - these were freshly top-loaded with new snow from a fairly sizable fetch area. Somewhat surprised to find more well-bonded snow (avoided a nearby large snow-pillow formation). Would still be extra cautious at higher alpine elevations more prone to stiffer slab development.