Avalanche forecast

San Francisco Peaks / Kachina Peaks Wilderness

Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Today the avalanche danger is moderate (2/5), where recent wind slabs have formed near and above treeline. Carefully evaluate the snowpack before committing to avalanche terrain, especially consequential terrain. Back off from firm, reactive, and cracking slabs that overlay softer snow. 

Generally, low avalanche hazard exists below 10,500'. Watch for small and isolated pockets of unstable snow in steep and consequential terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Strong southwesterly winds have scoured many southwesterly slopes. Other aspects may have fresh wind slabs on leeward slopes and terrain features. These very strong winds may be sublimating snow into the atmosphere rather than redistributing snow into wind slabs. Still, exercise caution and be aware of large and small terrain features that can collect snow deposited by wind. The wind slabs may be quite hard; watch for hollow-feeling hard snow that cracks where it overlays softer snow. 

Avalanche Discussion

Strong winds have deteriorated good powder skiing on some slopes near and above treeline, possibly many slopes. You can still find good powder skiing on protected northerly and shady slopes below treeline. Melt/freeze crusts are developing on southerly and sunny aspects below treeline. At elevations below ~10,000', the sun and warming temps are creating crusts on many aspects. 

The last known avalanches occurred during the March 1-2 storm. These were small to medium-sized avalanches on Fremont Peak. These all appeared to be less than size D2.  

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