Northern San Juan
SnowpackMatt Steen · Dec 15, 2012 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Windy and cold near and above treeline. Visibility was limited at times due to blowing snow and overall overcast skies and precipitation (S-1 to S1). Southwest winds were blowing and drifting snow on lee sides of exposed ridges and cross-loading gullies below ridge lines on north through east facing slopes.
Snowpack
Still a very shallow snowpack around Telluride. New snow measured between 6 and 8 inches on easterly slopes above treeline. Recent southwest winds produced drifts 1-1.5 feet deep on north through east facing ridgelines. Old hard slabs measuring 1 foot and less were isolated to wind loaded gullies and on the lee sides of exposed ridges above treeline on north through east facing slopes. The remainder of north through east facing slopes consisted of new snow (6-8 inches) resting on very weak faceted snow to the ground. Winds continue to strip exposed south through west facing terrain. Rocks and grass are still visible there.