Northern San Juan
SnowpackToby Weed · Nov 29, 2013 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Very nice day in the mountains, with mild temperatures and almost no wind on the ridgetop.
Snowpack
Mostly less than about a meter of snow... Depth hoar in basal layers, finer mid pack faceted layer ( failure in tests ectn-ct25) below fresher slab from last weekend. Very weak near surface facets widespread in the upper 10-20 cms. Huge surface hoar crystals ( the largest I've ever seen) in sheltered shady terrain below treeline. Smaller SH and weak nsf widespread in sheltered terrain and will likely become an active weak layer if intact when buried by future snowfalls.. We triggered a couple localized audible collapses or whumfs as we passed through untracked lower angled terrain around treeline.