Northern San Juan
SnowpackJason Bushey · Dec 17, 2022 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Clear calm. Cold at the start of the day with warming throughout the day but not enough to affect the upper snow surface yet. S aspects near and below treeline may have a crust tomorrow.
Snowpack
On west aspects btl snow pack was ~60cm with no signs of instability with a uncohesive upper layer. As you gain elevation to treeline, slabs stiffened but no collapsing or cracking. On the brief time I stepped to the northerly side of of the compass btl I was reminded of the junkshow as I received multiple collapses that shook snow off the small trees. On SE aspects BTL and NTL HS was around 70cm and depth hoar was present on the ground. Experienced numerous localized collapses and a few shooting cracks on slopes upwards of 35 degrees on this aspect. ski pen was almost to the ground showing a largely uncohesive upper slab in most cases. As heat impacts this upper layer it may be something to watch. Overall still thin snow depths and downhill travel is adventurous as you get lower btl on the southerly and westerly side of the compass. Rock skis recommended. North aspects above treeline and ridgelines were stripped to stratugi and rock.