Northern San Juan
SnowpackAnn Mellick · Mar 14, 2011 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Day started clear and calm, though clouds and wind increased in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy by 3 PM.
Snowpack
Transitional. Still very aspect and elevation dependent. Northerly slopes staying relatively cool with settled powder snow (12"-15") on firm base. Some shallow windslab near and above treeline, but not everywhere. Structure below surface still weak, but not reactive. Southerly slopes isothermal at lower elevations with surface warming at higher elevations (have not dug on south aspect up high so not sure how deep the warmth is penetrating there.) South facing slopes below treeline getting really weak with daytime warming. Very punchy and not a place I want to hang out... Surface crusts on east and westerlies still supportive, but west slopes also getting weaker during the later afternoon hours when the crust (~3-4") breaks down. Rotten underneath...