San Francisco Peaks / Kachina Peaks Wilderness

The chances of wet loose avalanches are low today as temperatures from last night caused snow surfaces to refreeze.  Today will be the forth straight day of cooler temps and high winds. Hard surface conditions may be a hazard and will dominate all but the most solar aspects.

Exposed rocks and logs are now a tricky navigation hazard, and those seeking skiing and riding may have difficulty accessing snow covered terrain.  

Help support KPAC avalanche education and join us for the Mikee Linville Scholarship Fundraiser next Saturday, April 5th on the Agassiz Deck!  

Temperatures will be slightly warmer today, but surface conditions will continue to be frozen for most of the day.  The freezeline last night on the San Francisco Peaks was around 7,000 feet.   At elevations below 10,000 feet expect this overnight freeze of the snow surface to last until 11:00-12:00, depending on the amount of sunlight hitting the slope.  At higher elevations, like those above 11,500' surfaces today will probably not soften due to the contributing factor of wind which will cool the snow's surface.  Winds today are forecast to gain speed throughout the day.  In general, expect continued windy conditions with a SW wind of 20-30 mph and gusts as high as 45-50 mph.  It's a cold spring day with hard snow conditions.

As temperatures warm throughout the day, south facing slopes near and below treeline will continue to move through their spring melt-freeze cycle.  There may be a remote chance of some wet loose instability on wind protected and sunny slopes.  Watch for saturated and slushy snow, and roller balls on sun exposed aspects.  Move away from any steep slope that shows these signs of wet instability, especially if located above cliffs or rocky hazards.  Again, the chance of this hazard will be very low, but backcountry recreationists should have awareness around this avalanche problem type, especially come spring conditions.

Today will be the fourth day of high winds and frozen surfaces on much of the mountain.  The good news is that the wind, slightly overcast skies, and cooler temperatures are reducing the melt rate of the snowpack.  The bad news is that the conditions for skiing and riding are not the spring corn that most people look for come the start of April.   The weather outlook for the rest of the week calls for overcast skies, a chance of snow, and yes, you guessed it . . more wind.   For more detailed reports check the observations page.

The high temperatures of last week have caused the snowpack to melt out in sunny locations across the mountain.  Egress from below the Humphrey/Agassiz saddle back into the ski area is now challenging.  Be aware of rock and log hazards and be prepared to carry equipment through dry and rocky patches.  The Humphreys trail is compacted snow with various rocks and logs surfacing intermittently. 

Crampons and ice axes will be helpful during cold mornings on steep frozen slopes. 

Join us on the Agassiz deck, Saturday, April 5th for our Mikee Linville scholarship fundraiser!

If you get out, please submit your observations or email us at [email protected]. 

KPAC has documented evidence of several avalanches this season - Avalanche Database.