Northern San Juan
SnowpackJeff Davis · Jan 4, 2017 · Northern San Juan
Weather
A lull in the storm was observed from 8 am -12 pm. In the afternoon winds increased as snow gradually increased.
Snowpack
Storm totals ranged from 2-6 inches in the areas traveled. Snow accumulations were more significant at higher elevations. Storm snow falling on near surface facets on N-NE aspects but with minimal apparent instability. Snow on S aspects NTL bonding poorly to a surface crust. Hard failures were observed during snowapack tests, but an ECT did not propagate. No collapsing or cracking observed. Storm Slab avalanches will become wide-spread as snowfall accumulates. It will take a significant load to trigger deep persistent weak layers.