Northern San Juan
SnowpackJason Bushey · Jan 7, 2019 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Most of the day experienced 1-2cm/hr snowfall rates with minimal wind below treeline. The sun never made an appearance.
Snowpack
Height of new snow = 20cm of blower increasing to 30cm end of day, and growing. Ski pen ranged from 30-70cm with brutal unconsolidated trail breaking. Boot pen was basically full HS which was around 120-130cm on western and northerly aspects. SW facing below treeline aspects had a crust below new snow that was not allowing any bonding and quick fast storm slab movement of the new 20cm layer. As you approached treeline, both N and S facing slopes had a wind slab formation prior to storm, and new snow sitting on top that was not loaded. New snow on these wind slabs reacted with quick fast sluffs and small slab formation. New snow is very soft and prime for transport. Pit on N facing slope, with ECTM, No propagation at 55cm (top of facet layer). HS was 125. Still limited slab formation except unsupported areas. No cracking or collapsing observed. Just a big unconsolidated pack below treeline with 50-65cm of 2-4mm facets on the bottom of the pack. Skied anchored N facing below treeline slopes.