Northern San Juan
SnowpackSusan Hale · Dec 6, 2013 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Strong WSW winds and very cold temps - made for uncomfortable travel. We've seen transport speed winds above treeline for last two days. (winds during storm also affected below treeline with lots of drifting).
Snowpack
Near and above tree-line - overall we saw windward stripping of the snowpack - southerly to W aspects and any prominent ridge features. On northerly, leeward slopes there's a significant gain in volume with new dense wind-driven snow. Below treeline you'll find very supportive, chalky, dense wind-beaten snow that has formed a new substantial slab layer. Very cold temps combined with wind precluded a more detailed snowpit; but several Hand Tests on the westerly aspect in question all showed a Moderate Q2 sheers about 14" down - at the interface of the old and new snow, on a slight mm crust with large stellars. We did not experience any whumphing or collapse on these slopes. Only occasional cracking around skis in more open terrain.