Bollettino valanghe

San Francisco Peaks / Kachina Peaks Wilderness

Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 2 years ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

The avalanche danger remains moderate at and above treeline. Backcountry travelers are urged to carefully assess snow conditions at mid and upper elevations (i.e., above ~11,000') before stepping out into steep terrain. Travelers should exercise heightened caution below steep loaded ridgelines, gullies, and convex rolls and retreat if any instability is observed. Expect the liklihood of triggering an avalanche to increase as new snow accumulates on the current snow surface, this evening and tonight.

As a reminder, our avalanche center is a nonprofit and supported by the local community. Remember to show your support by entering our online Arizona Snowbowl Season Pass Raffle and coming out to support KPAC next Saturday (4/6/2024) on the Agassiz Lodge deck for the Mikee Linville Fundraiser.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–2

    Strong southwest and south winds  have redistributed snow onto leeward slopes and terrain features, resulting in continued moderate avalanche risk. Travelers should anticipate encountering areas with reactive wind slabs and exercise caution or avoid loaded starting zones, wind drifts, mounds of snow, pillowed areas, and cornices. A useful strategy for evaluating these hazards is by testing small, inconsequential slopes, which can provide valuable insights into the reactivity of wind-packed snow on particular aspects and around land formations.

    Moreover, it is imperative for travelers to consistently employ appropriate travel techniques aimed at minimizing risks to themselves, their party, and other individuals in the vicinity. These measures include only exposing one person at a time to avalanche terrain while skiing and while egressing. Likewise, skin tracks and egress routes should aim to utilize local terrain features to minimize the likelihood of triggering an avalanche.

    (3/28/2024)

    Current conditions within the Humphreys Cirque. Note the snow transport occurring on the ridgeline and filled-in tracks in the middle of the image that were from the previous day.

    Photo: Blair Foust

Avalanche Discussion

Over the last week, observations and stability tests have noted increased strength and decreased propagation propensity. Much of this is in response to the healing of the facet-crust combo, which created a persistent weak layer last week. Over the last week, this layer has gone dormant and we have removed persistent weak slab problem from the forecast. However, the possibility of triggering an avalanche remains but is mostly localized to wind loaded zones. Our snowpack continues to grow with the recent snowfall and is expected to accumulate further with incoming storms. Currently, at the SNOTEL site in Snowslide Canyon, we are at 155% of the median snow water equivalent. In addition, we are over a week past the average point when our snowpack begins to melt. Fortunately, that is not the case this year, and it appears there are at least a few powder days left. However, with this bonus comes increased avalanche danger. Keep a watchful eye, and don't let spring lull you into a false sense of security.

Recent snowpits can be found at https://snowpilot.org/snowpits/query?field_loaction_tid=4. 

Come join Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center on Saturday, April 6th, at the Agassiz Lodge deck for the Mikee Linville Fundraiser!  All proceeds from this event go to our scholarship fund, which, to date, has resulted in over 29K of scholarship benefits!  For more information on how to get involved, visit kachinapeaks.org.  Many thanks to everyone who made our avalanche courses a success this season, and a big thank you to all our participants! KPAC is especially grateful to our generous community. Your support makes avalanche forecasting and education possible in Northern Arizona. 100% of KPAC's funding comes from fundraisers, donations, and grants - your contribution matters!

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