Boletín de aludes

Northern New Mexico

Taos Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Sun
Alta montaña
3 · Notable
Límite del bosque
3 · Notable
Bajo el límite
2 · Moderado
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Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 5 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

Strong winds and heavy dense snow from the Christmas Eve storm will continue to stress weak faceted snow below on northerly and east-facing terrain near and above treeline.  Human triggered persistent slab and storm slab avalanches are likely.  Avoid being on or connected to slopes steeper than 30 degrees giving avalanche path runouts large berths.  Cracking and loud audible collapses are indications you've found this unstable snowpack structure of strong over weak.  Avalanches could break on or near the ground and could be large enough to injure or bury you. 

Problemas de aludes

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Likely
    Tamaño
    1–2

    Stiffer slabs now rest on top of weak faceted snow on or near the ground leading to a poor snowpack structure of strong over weak. These basal facets were mainly confined to northerly and east aspects near and above treeline. Human triggered persistent slab avalanches are likely today.   Shooting cracks and loud audible collapses are indications you've found this unstable snowpack structure of strong over weak.  It's possible to remotely trigger an avalanche from below or an adjacent slope.  Avoid being on or below slopes steeper than 30 degrees today, giving avalanche path runouts wide berths.  Avalanches may break on or near the ground and could be large enough to injure or bury you. 

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Likely
    Tamaño
    1–2

    10 to 16 inches of wet heavy dense snow combined with strong SW winds have created storm slabs at all elevations.   Avoid steep slopes and convex rolls where you find more than 10" of new snow.  The leeward sides of ridgelines and cross-loaded gullies could have significantly more snow drifted in. Look for and avoid "fat" looking pillows or obvious signs of wind loading.   Pay attention to bulls-eye clues like shooting cracks on the surface. A storm slab avalanche has the potential to step down into deeper weak layers creating a larger more destructive avalanche.  Even a smaller storm slab avalanche could knock you off your feet pushing you over a cliff or into a terrain trap. 

Avalanche Discussion

The Christmas Eve storm had a pacific northwest feel with rain in town and 10 to 16 inches of wet heavy snow above 8500'.  2" of snow water equivalent (SWE) was measured at the Powderhorn snotel site and 3" of SWE was measured manually at Poco Gusto.  Wind anemometers are currently down, but steady SW winds in the 20 to 30 mph range have been consistent throughout the storm, with gusts last evening in the 70's.  Today will bring a break, before another round of strong winds and a little more snow moves in on Sunday. It's certainly nice to see the mountains coated in white for Christmas.  With a parade of storms is forecasted through the end of the year expect avalanche conditions to remain elevated through the holiday week. 

Prior to yesterday's storm, it had been a slow start to the winter season.   A shallow faceted snowpack of 6 to 18 inches was mainly found on northerly and east-facing slopes.  South and west aspects had very little snow due to the strong wind events from the earlier December storms.    It's safe to assume any north or east-facing slopes near and above treeline harbors weak faceted snow beneath newly formed slabs and should be treated as suspect until proven otherwise. Taking the time to dig several quick pits either with your hands or shovel is a great way to better understand the characteristics of the snowpack.  Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding, and conservative decision-making are essential today.   

We've had to wait a while, and it's easy to get excited with this new snow.  Don't get lured into pushing into steep terrain right off the bat as we go from 0 to 100 real quickly. A parade of storms is on tap through the end of 2021, making it an active holiday week.  Wind sheltered lower angle terrain will provide the best and safest options for making turns. Stay safe and happy holidays!  

 

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