Northern New Mexico

Triggering a persistent slab avalanche remains the concern on West through North to East aspects near and above treeline.  Stiffening slabs rest on top of weak faceted snow found in the mid-pack or closer to the ground.  Take the time to dig down into the snow to verify if this structure exists before committing to a slope.  Any avalanche triggered has the potential to be dangerous with lots of natural obstacles on or near the ground.  

As we officially turn to winter, it'll feel more like April today with warm temperatures and lots of sun. To sum the season up so far, we've had several big storms, multiple periods of prolonged high pressure and strong winds that impacted the above treeline terrain.  What this has meant for us here in northern New Mexico is still a shallow overall snowpack that hasn't allowed us to turn the corner with persistent weak layers.  It could be a while before we see our next significant storm and we can expect to see continued faceting that will be a concern when we do get significant snow.  Avalanche conditions have eased for us recently as we've missed out on the last two storms this week that tracked to our north in Colorado. If traveling to the north these holidays be sure to check out the CAIC  as avalanche conditions there are more sensitive to what we have.

The big story over the last several days has been periods of strong winds from various directions that have wreaked havoc on our above treeline terrain and areas near treeline that are exposed to wind.  Some slopes have been stripped back to bare ground, while others have supportable hard slabs that feel hollow and sound drummy.  East aspects on the leeward side of ridgelines and obvious cross-loaded gullies have seen the greatest amount of wind transported snow and may have thicker denser slabs that sit on top of various faceted layers.  Near treeline, we are finding softer cohesive slabs that haven't seen the effects of the wind. These slabs sit on top of weak faceted snow or depth hoar in an overall shallower snowpack.  

As we travel in more and more zones, the spatial variability in our range is tremendous right now. For instance, some East aspects above treeline have barely enough snow to ski or ride, while others have over a meter of snow. It speaks to the need to address each slope individually as snowpack structures will vary greatly.  Digging a pit on an adjacent slope may not tell you what is happening on the slope you intend to ski or ride.  A probe pole can be an effective tool to quickly assess the snowpack structure feeling for strong over weak layers.    

As we push further and further away from the last significant loading event from 12/10 - 13, triggering a persistent slab avalanche has become increasingly more stubborn but not impossible. In long column stability tests, we're getting a mixed bag of results from easy to hard force to get weak layers to collapse with the ability to propagate. If you hit that "sweet spot" on a steep enough slope, it may be possible to trigger an avalanche. This will typically be where the slab is thinnest near the margins of the slab or near rock outcrops.  

Below treeline, slabs that existed from last week's storms have deteriorated, and at these elevations, we are finding a shallow weak faceting snowpack. Once we introduce a slab again,  these slopes will become a concern. Right now, natural obstacles like downed trees and rocks are the biggest hazards in this terrain.  

Wind sheltered slopes less than 35 degrees will provide the best and safest riding today with good "recycled powder"!