Northern San Juan
SnowpackAnn Mellick · Feb 21, 2022 · Northern San Juan
Weather
Overcast with strong SW winds and light snowfall. 0-.5" accumulation by 12:30pm
Snowpack
The prolonged dry spell has taken a toll on the snowpack. A couple paths have returned to bare ground (Barlow Banks, Slate Creek). Sunny slopes that continue to hold snow have very stout surface crusts (up to 10" thick) with facets and percolation tubes to the ground below. Some paths just hold patchy and thin MF snow throughout (lower elevation paths near Rico). Shady slopes continue to harbor very fragile snow (paths south of Rico- Scotch Cr, etc and paths near Ophir turn). While the structure is not confidence inspiring, I could not initiate and failures (CTN, ECTX). However, I expect slides that initiate in the new snow in these areas will entrain the old weak snow. Overall, new snow load and old/new interfaces are the primary concern.