Avalanche forecast

San Francisco Peaks / Kachina Peaks Wilderness

Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
No rating
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Watch for wind slabs and persistent slab problems.  In the last ~20 hours significant snowfall has occurred; 17" of snow with over 2" snow water equivalent (SWE) accumulated at the Snowslide SNOTEL at 9700'. Winds are picking up this afternoon and evening. Prior to this storm, early season conditions have limited our field observations.  Consider submitting your observations here.  Expect an update in the next day or two. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Watch for winds creating cohesive slabs and loading leeward slopes. Crossloading may occur on other slopes, gullies and chutes.  

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Old faceted snow at the base of the snowpack, on steep isolated slopes near and above treeline have demonstrated the ability to propagate failure in a recent snowpit. This faceted basal snow was the likely culprit of skier triggered collapses (whumpfs) on low-angle northerly slopes, below treeline in Abineau Canyon on Dec. 13th. Collapses or whumpfs in the snowpack should be a bullseye indication to stay off steep slopes. 

Regions covered