Northern San Juan

Snowpack

Krista Beyer · Dec 6, 2025 · Northern San Juan

View on map
Observation photo 1Observation photo 2Observation photo 3

Weather

Windy! 4.5 inches of new snow at Red Mountain Pass measured in the AM. Putney weather station measured speeds in the 40 mph range with gusts in the 60s while I was standing at ridgeline. Poor visibility and generally unpleasant conditions for alpine travel.

Snowpack

Instability was observed in the drifted snow at all elevations. At ridgeline, on an east-facing slope, I observed shooting cracks extending up to 100 feet. I found pockets of drifted snow above treeline up to 1 meter deep. Wind slabs remained soft during travel, but will likely stiffen with extended strong winds and time.