Southern San Juan
SnowpackChris Bilbrey · Apr 8, 2019 · Southern San Juan
Weather
Warm and sunny with a few passing high clouds. As we approached treeline, a light but steady wind kept temperatures from getting too warm and allowed the snow surface to warm slowly.
Snowpack
Found a mix bag of surface conditions below treeline in the morning - supportable, frozen in open areas and punchy, hollow in heavily vegetated or rocky areas. Skis easily stayed above the snow surface but penetration off skis was boot-top. Snow surface became more supportable as we climbed up in elevation on the same south-facing slope. Evidence of a good freeze overnight existed near and above treeline - firm snow surface in areas not being hit by morning sun. Light winds around 11,500 feet kept snow surfaces cool. East to south through west-facing slopes at higher elevations warmed slowly, but offered excellent corn conditions around midday. We traveled on NE-E-S aspects near and above treeline with minimal loose wet concerns. We did see several small, isolated loose wet sluffs near and above treeline that were no larger than size 1. Majority of these slides originated from rocky terrain around 40 degrees. During our afternoon descent, we found that south-facing slopes below treeline had turned more rotten and hollow. It made for a challenging exit with the threat of an injury outweighing avalanche concerns. The snow surface below treeline looks extremely worked over and skiing across steeper slopes didn't produce more than big rollerballs. It seems like loose wet avalanches below treeline may need an extra push from a rider. Despite lack of loose wet activity, we still avoided suspect slopes that are steep, rocky or heavily vegetated during the heat of the day.