Northern San Juan

Snowpack

Ann Mellick · Mar 11, 2011 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

breeze keeping things cool above treeline

Snowpack

Snowpack varies a great deal depending on aspect and elevation. Southerly slopes below treeline are transitioning from winter to spring and have become mostly isothermal. Easterly slopes below treeline only warming in the uppermost layer despite ample sunshine. Cold, weak interfaces persist 20 cm and 75 cm from snow surface as well as at the base of the snowpack. CTE/M Q2 in upper layers, though ECTN. Northerly terrain still in winter mode. Winds over the past 24 hours have really changed the character above treeline. Thin wind slabs have formed at the surface on exposed slopes. Bummer. Recent storm snow sitting on older hard slab and seemingly well bonded where we were.