San Francisco Peaks / Kachina Peaks Wilderness

Problèmes avalancheux

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpin
  • Limite forestière
  • Sous la limite forestière

  Probabilité

  Unlikely

  Taille

  1–2.5

  Some starting zones on north and northeast slopes still have a buried weak layer near the base of the snowpack.  Recent observations indicate that the presence of this weak layer, found deep below the snowpack at ground level, is diminishing.  However, the distribution of this problem may vary significantly, even in adjacent locations.  While triggering a slide of this type will be unlikely, the consequences will be severe.  The only way to determine the presence of this problem is to examine the snowpack, and in many loaded areas this could create a dangerous situation.

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpin
  • Limite forestière
  • Sous la limite forestière

  Probabilité

  Possible

  Taille

  1–1.5

  With predicted warming, anticipate possible wet loose avalanches on lower elevation slopes on west, south, and east aspects. Generally, these releases will be small (D1-1.5), however, these could pose a threat to travelers in specific areas (i.e., extreme terrain, terrain traps, etc.). Backcountry travelers should assess slopes carefully, especially later in the day, and keep an eye on lower-elevation sunny slopes looking for signs of warming, such as roller balls.