San Francisco Peaks / Kachina Peaks Wilderness

Colder temperatures and moderate to high winds have further reduced the avalanche hazard.  Hard and frozen surface conditions are expected today, except on steeper sun exposed slopes near and below treeline.  Route planning, tour preparation, and timing will be important to minimize the challenges associated with hard surface conditions.  

Rocks and logs are once again becoming a hazard, and those seeking skiing and riding may have difficulty accessing snow covered terrain.

Help support KPAC avalanche education and join us for the Mikee Linville Scholarship Fundraiser next Saturday, April 5th on the Agassiz Deck!  

Yesterday, frozen snow surfaces were found in most locations above 10,000' across the mountain.  Early Friday morning temperatures at 11,500' dipped below freezing and pockets of cold air at lower elevations caused widespread freezing at above and near tree line elevations.  During the day, cloudy skies and blustery conditions kept most of these surfaces from softening.  At above treeline elevations, much of the snowpack had a 1F-P hard 5-8 cm crust.  This crust supported ski travel, but on approaches boots often broke through and sank deep into the snowpack.  This, combined with patchy snow, and plenty of exposed rocks and logs on almost any slope that has had sun exposure over the week, made travel into and out of ski and ride-friendly terrain challenging.  

Today, conditions are expected to be similar.  As the sun makes its way through the clouds continue to be aware of the remote possibility of wet loose avalanches.  Temperatures are not expected to warm rapidly, so the probability of these will be very low, but watch for softening snow conditions on sun exposed slopes and the possibility of small wet loose avalanches.  Move away from any steep, slushy surfaces, especially those above cliffs or rocky hazards.

Before Friday's freeze, test pits and observations throughout last week showed that the snowpack in most places below 11,500' feet had become isothermal, with temperatures at or near freezing.  The layers in the snowpack are now mostly homogonous, the exception being a variety of surface conditions that range from sun to wind crusts.  On most of the mountain the snowpack is typically 1F - 4F in hardness, but some locations near rocks, logs, or those on south facing sun exposed slopes are becoming saturated and turning soft.  Many north facing slopes above treeline still have a pencil hard wind affected surface.  Snow depths mid-slope in the Humphreys Cirque on Thursday were generally between 80-120 cms.  For more detailed reports check the observations page.

The high temperatures of last week have caused the snowpack to melt out in sunny locations across the mountain.  Egress from below the Humphrey/Agassiz saddle back into the ski area is now challenging.  Be aware of rock and log hazards and be prepared to carry equipment through dry and rocky patches.

In the next few days, temperatures are expected to remain cooler with increased winds.  This will reduce melt off but increase the challenge of finding softer snow later in the day.   Plan your tour accordingly as the conditions have deteriorated rapidly on solar aspects.  

Crampons and ice axes will be helpful during cold mornings on steep frozen slopes. 

Join us on the Agassiz deck, Saturday, April 5th for our Mikee Linville scholarship fundraiser!

If you get out, please submit your observations or email us at [email protected]. 

KPAC has documented evidence of several avalanches this season - Avalanche Database.