New snow and wind today will increase the avalanche hazard to moderate. Watch for new sensitive slabs of cohesive snow above and near treeline.
The backcountry snowpack is thin, especially below 10,500'; hence the "No Rating" for Below Treeline. Access options are severely limited by the thin snowpack, and ski tours require significant effort and caution.
Southwest winds and new snow are forecast for today. Back off from slopes with cracking and collapsing of new cohesive slaps created by wind-drifted snow.
Where there is snow on slopes above/near treeline, some weak faceted snow layers in the bottom half of the snowpack are overlayed by harder cohesive slabs. These weak layers may be found on all aspects above and near treeline, in the Inner Basin.
Currently, avalanches are unlikely to initiate in these weak layers. However, significant new snow accumulation will increase the likelihood. Backcountry travelers should retreat from slopes with collapsing and cracking snow.
Expect increasing avalanche danger with new snow and wind today through Tuesday evening. Need new goggles for the new snow? Get your KPAC goggles by STAGE at https://www.stageideas.com/collections/kachina-peaks-avalanche-center.
Overall, the snowpack above/near treeline has poor structure, moderate strength, and a general tendency to propagate failures during instability tests. In these tests, cohesive snow slabs propagate failures (cracks) in weak snow near the ground (basal facets) and in the lower half of the snowpack (depth hoar). These basal facets and depth hoar are present across various aspects and elevations, particularly on northerly and easterly slopes. Yesterday (Jan. 20), a ski touring party experienced numerous collapses/failures where cohesive snow overlayed weak faceted snow in the Inner Basin.
The Snowslide Canyon SNOTEL reports a snow depth of 21". Average for this time of year is about 40". With the thin snowpack, access options are severely limited across the peaks, and ski tours will require significant effort and caution. Exposed and hidden logs and rocks will be encountered, as well as dry land on some slopes. Hopefully, precipitation this week will improve the situation.
Last week, winds removed significant amounts of snow from the north slopes of Fremont Peak. See picture below.
KPAC encourages you to practice avalanche rescue with your partners, so that you are prepared when backcountry touring conditions improve.
No reported avalanches this season.
