Northern San Juan

Snowpack

Jason Habib · Nov 27, 2024 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

Sun was in and out, wind was a moderate breeze out of the NE. Skin track was completely filled back in between the first and second lap. A lot of snow transport going on.

Snowpack

Wind activity from the recent storm was very apparent. Deepest spots totaled 24 inches of soft new storm snow, other locations had a wind board that could support my weight. Small "cornices" formed on small gully features. Multiple collapses and cracks on the skin up. Dug a pit on a Southern aspect at 10,600 ft, found 47cm of new snow resting on top of a 20cm base of ice-like snow. New storm snow was denser towards the bottom (1F - ), and lighter on the surface (F). Conducted an ECT and got ECTX. New snow did not seem quite cohesive enough to react as a slab in the ECT. Would have been interesting to dig a pit closer to areas where more collapsing and cracking occurred.