Lawinenlagebericht

San Francisco Peaks / Kachina Peaks Wilderness

Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

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

Avalanche hazard has decreased over the last week; however, that does not mean that there is no risk. Anticipate Monday's rapid warming to create possible wet loose avalanches on steep low and mid-elevation terrain. In addition, mid and high-elevation north and northeast slopes should be assessed with caution due to possible persistent slab instabilities.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Loose Wet

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–1.5

    With predicted warming, anticipate possible wet loose avalanches on lower elevation slopes and at mid-elevations on southerly aspects. Generally, these releases will be small (D1-1.5); however, these could pose a threat to travelers in specific areas (i.e., extreme terrain, terrain traps, etc.). Therefore, backcountry travelers should assess slopes carefully, especially later in the day, and keep an eye on sunny lower and mid-elevation slopes, looking for warning signs, such as roller balls. 

    (2/19/2023)

    Roller balls on a steep low elevation, north-northwest aspect road cut. 

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Some starting zones on north and northeast slopes still have a buried weak layer near the base of the snowpack. Over the last few weeks, this weak layer has become less reactive as it has been buried deeper with strong slabs above it, providing additional support. However, the distribution and reactivity of this problem may vary significantly, even in adjacent locations. While triggering a slide of this type will be unlikely, the consequences will be severe. The only way to determine the presence of this problem is to examine the snowpack, which could create a dangerous situation in loaded areas. Travelers should be aware of this issue and practice proper travel protocols.

Avalanche Discussion

Remnants of avalanche debris (~D1.5-2) were found Sunday (2/19) on a north-facing aspect of North Core Ridge. Unfortunately, since the debris was highly weathered, it was impossible to identify specifics with this avalanche. However, we suspect that this was a windslab release that occurred after the last storm.

Even though avalanche danger has decreased, always maintain proper travel protocol. Keep eyes on your partners and only expose one person at a time to avalanche paths. Remember, "low avalanche" danger does not mean "no avalanche danger." 

High elevations have low avalanche hazard due to wind eroding the snowpack. The snowpack is strong and firm where snow remains above ~11,800'. However, some reactive wind slabs may still be lingering in the steepest terrain near treeline. Stay alert, especially in consequential terrain! 

Overall the snowpack near treeline has a poor to fair structure in the top 50cm. However, all our examinations over the past two days indicate a snowpack with moderate to high strength and unlikely failure propagation.

Temperature gradients remain high, and near surface faceting is a concern, especially as significant snowfall may occur next Wednesday through Saturday. 

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