Northern San Juan
SnowpackSusan Hale · Feb 18, 2016 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Overcast and warm, but cooler than previous day. Windy, windy, windy. At protected treeline, winds felt like 35mph with higher gusts. Weather stations tell the story - Winds SW/40's to 70's with gusts 60's - 100's. PG 119 mph at Eagle 4pm. This went on all afternoon. Winds became more westerly and decreased significantly by 9pm. A little snowfall in the evening, some light rain at lowest elevations.
Snowpack
Snowpack held up to the warm temps due to cooling winds. Only scattered tiny sluffs seen in the Gorge area - possibly wind-triggered. Moderate blowing snow at treeline. Areas of intense blowing snow in open or above treeline terrain. See photo. Might have dodged a bullet with less moisture - as it might have come in the form of rain...