Lawinenlagebericht

Northern New Mexico

Taos Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Hochgebirge
1 · Gering
Waldgrenze
1 · Gering
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Kernpunkte

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist today at all elevations and aspects, but low danger does not mean avalanches are impossible.  There could be unstable snow in isolated areas.   Northwest, to North through East aspects is where you could find dense slabs over faceted snow near the ground.  As the day warms up, small wet snow avalanches are possible on very steep slopes that are directly in the sun. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Unlikely
    Größe
    1–2

    Dense slabs rest on top of facets/depth hoar near the ground on upper elevation northerly and east aspects.  It's been two weeks since the last loading event, and faceted snow near the ground has been gaining strength.  Most extended column tests are not producing failures and obvious signs of instability like cracking and collapsing haven't been observed in a while.   All indications are pointing to this persistent weak layer being dormant for now until we get another significant loading event.  It's not impossible to trigger a persistent slab avalanche on this layer, but it is unlikely.  Avoid likely trigger points where the overlying slab is thinner, typically found on the margins, near rock outcrops, or on steep convex rolls. 

    No failure in this extended column test on NE aspect near treeline. Facets / Depth hoar near the ground on northerly aspects have been strengthening in the last couple of weeks 

Avalanche Discussion

It sure doesn't feel like the middle of January, as temperatures today will climb into the 30's at ridgetops and 40's at lower elevations under sunny skies and light winds.  We could see some small wet snow avalanches on very steep slopes later in the day that are directly in the sun.  Pinwheels and rollerballs are indications that the snow surface is becoming wet.  This avalanche problem is easy to avoid by heading to a shadier aspect. 

Skiing and riding conditions are a mixed bag, with many of the solar aspects having crusts on the surface from the recent warm weather and strong sun at our southern latitude. At upper elevations moderate to strong winds last week stiffened the surface with supportable hard slabs or breakable wind crust. You can still find soft turns on wind-sheltered north-facing terrain.  Unfortunately, long-term weather models are not overly optimistic about any significant storms in the near future.    

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