San Francisco Peaks / Kachina Peaks Wilderness

The backcountry snowpack is too thin for consistent and safe touring. Rock and log strikes will be unavoidable. Northerly and shaded slopes near treeline have ~30 to 45cm (12 to 18") of snowpack. There's a stout crust at the surface, about 1 to 8cm thick. Below that, the snowpack primarily consists of faceted grains. Many southerly slopes are bare ground. A few inches of snow are possible around Christmas, but it will not be enough to cover the jagged volcanic rocks of the backcountry.  See the photo below. 

There is very little snow, and avalanches are unlikely. But if you do venture high on the peaks, watch for unstable snow on isolated slopes near and above treeline. Collapses and long shooting-cracks in the snow are signs of instability. Now is an excellent time to dust off your winter gear and check that everything functions correctly. There might be enough snow near the base of Arizona Snowbowl to work on companion rescue drills with your avalanche transceiver. 

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