Northern San Juan
SnowpackMatt Steen · Mar 15, 2013 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Warm clear day gave way to overcast skies. Temperatures remained warm throughout the day. A light breeze picked up mid day, but did little to cool the snow surfaces near and below treeline.
Snowpack
Below treeline, southeast through south facing slopes were up to 3 feet deep and isothermal. Wet to moist snow throughout the snowpack. Warm temperatures kept the snow surface moist (down 15 to 20cm) on all but completely shaded slopes near and below treeline. A snow pit at treeline on a north northwest aspect was 5 feet deep. The supportable snowpack revealed a 4 finger to 1 finger slab mid pack, resting on weak faceted layers 77 cm to the ground. Moderate to hard test results indicate the existence of the persistent slab/ deep persistent slab resting on a persistent weak layer, and the stubborn nature of triggering these slabs.