Northern San Juan
SnowpackSusan Hale · Jan 16, 2012 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Hwy tour between 1330 and 1430. All areas still seeing snowfall - with PI S1 to S2 (Mark reported tapering SI as he drove south). Winds still SW/gusty. Reports of very little accumulation north toward the Gorge and Ouray.
Snowpack
Interval readings 1330 to 1430: Red Mtn Pass 4.5"/0.35" Storm up to 9"/.65" Molas 4.5/No H20 due to wind effect Storm up to 12.5" Coal Bank 4.5"/.35" Storm up to 12.5"/1.05" OBS: We're on the edge of seeing more slab activity. A few small crowns were observed in W Lime and Coal Creek. These on E and N aspects breaking within storm snow at a density change (overnight snow lower density than today's snow...eek). Not quite enough weight to step down to old snow. Put shovel in one 36-38 deg N aspect near the road and triggered very rapid propagation up-slope on the weak old snow. Unfortunately not enough visibility to view BC for avi activity. Certainly teetering on the edge...