Northern San Juan
SnowpackAnn Mellick · Dec 9, 2021 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Overcast and snowing lightly. Steady southwest wind.
Snowpack
As we all likely know, the snowpack varies greatly depending on aspect and elevation. While all slopes now have some snow cover, sunny slopes were dry prior to the storm earlier in the week. The "snowpack" on these slopes remains thin (~10"). Shady slopes hold weak basal layers that will become problematic with tonight's expected fast and heavy load. The snow in the alpine varies from very thin and firm, to punchy windslab to semi-soft drifts. Winds have moved recent storm snow piling some lee features up to 3' deep.