Snowpack

Snowpack in the San Juan is one of the most sketchy and unreliable snowpacks in America. This unpredictable snow pack is the leading cause of avalanches and avalanche related deaths. This snowpack is the direct result of different storms that create a plethora of different types of snow. For instance, when a little storm front is brought into the mountains, it will bring a light layer of snow to pack the ground. This light and pathetic snow is a terrible base layer when a huge storm front comes in. When a large amount of heavy snow falls, it has a detrimental potential. This snow pack can initiate a sliding of layers. This is because the slab of heavy snow can break or loosen the smaller layer. There needs to be about a 38% slope. The snow pack may look stable, but when a crevasse falls or a skier breaks the layer, the whole run or slope is prone to a slide. Slides can occur in a convex and concave structured mountain. Since the weather in the San Juan is so unstable, there is an imminent and looming danger. For example, the snow may be sugary or really wet. The sugary snow is the more unstable snow pack that could be a malevolent danger. It is significant to be as vigilant and precautious as possible.