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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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 above and near treeline. Carefully evaluate the snowpack before committing to avalanche terrain, especially consequential terrain.  Back off from reactive and cracking wind slabs. 

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

    On Friday morning, KPAC observed northerly winds transporting snow above treeline.  Wind-loaded, rounded, pillowed, rippled, and corniced slopes were also observed above and near treeline. Exercise caution and be aware of large and small terrain features that can collect snow deposited by wind. 

    Low elevations have diminishing amounts of snow available for transport. Most wind slabs below 10,500' should be stabilized by now, but watch for isolated pockets of unstable snow in steep and extreme terrain below treeline.  

Avalanche Discussion

Moderate to strong northerly winds of Thursday and Friday produced scouring, loading, and cross-loading near and above treeline, as well as on sparsely treed slopes below treeline. Some slopes and terrain features were not affected by the wind. 

Melt/freeze crusts are developing on southerly and sunny aspects at most elevations. At lower elevations, 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. See photo. These all appeared to be less than size D2.  

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