Lawinenlagebericht

San Francisco Peaks / Kachina Peaks Wilderness

Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Mon
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
3 · Erheblich
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 3 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

New snow and wind have caused avalanche danger to remain elevated today. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist on wind-loaded slopes. Avalanches in the new snow could propagate into buried weak snow layers creating a persistent slab avalanche that is very large and likely unsurvivable. Avoid wind-loaded, rounded, pillowed, rippled, corniced, and slopes steeper than 30° near or above treeline.

On Friday, several small avalanches and point releases were reported on northwest, north, northeast, and south aspects. For less avalanche hazard, seek protected slopes less than 30° degrees.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Predominant southwest winds have created wind slabs on leeward slopes and terrain features over the last few days. However, on Saturday afternoon, winds shifted, creating loading on north and west slopes. Winds are forecasted to continue for the next several days and will redistribute the snow. Anticipate wind slab avalanches to be likely for the foreseeable future with continued winds. Avoid wind-loaded, rounded, pillowed, rippled, or corniced slopes, as these may have new sensitive wind slabs.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1.5–2.5

    Several facet and crust combos were widely distributed near the surface a few days ago and have been buried by the new snow. In addition, the new snow may be enough to re-energize the dormant persistent weak layer of basal facets on north and northeast aspects. Human-triggered persistent slab avalanches are possible, and wind slab avalanches may have enough force to step down to these layers, creating propagating failures on these weak layers. If so, these avalanches may become very large.

    Before this week's storms, sun crusts were observed at mid-elevations across the mountain on slopes with moderate to high sun exposure (E, S, W). Finally, the basal facets and depth hoar have been documented on northerly and northeasterly slopes between 11,000' and 11,800.' These basal facets have become less reactive as they have been buried deeper with strong slabs above them, providing additional support; however, the large amount of new snow could reactivate this layer.

    The best way to manage the risk from persistent slab avalanches is to make conservative terrain choices and practice appropriate travel precautions. 

Avalanche Discussion

Overnight, Snowbowl received 7" (18 cm) of new snow, and the Snowslide Canyon SNOTEL is reporting 2" (5 cm) of new snow. On Friday, several smaller (<D2) avalanches were reported near and above treeline on northwest, north, and northeast aspects. Additionally, a small point release was noted on a steep south aspect. These are all signs of instability, and backcountry travelers should take caution and make conservative decisions when making tour plans and assessing terrain.

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