San Francisco Peaks / Kachina Peaks Wilderness

The avalanche hazard is low.  There is a slight chance of small wet loose avalanches in isolated pockets of steep south facing terrain at near and below treeline.  These avalanches will not be large enough to bury an individual, but could cause an unexpected fall.  Slushy snow and roller balls are signs that these avalanches are possible.

Yesterday high winds impacted the San Francisco Peaks.  Be prepared for melt-freeze and wind hardened conditions today.

Spring weather has arrived on the San Francisco Peaks, and with it, the typical springtime winds.  Wednesday and Thursday's above average temperatures provided classic spring conditions with softening slopes by mid-morning and excellent corn skiing on east, south, and west facing slopes.  Surface conditions were somewhat variable as the winds from Tuesday resulted in a variety of wind affect with everything from wind-board and rippled snow on wide open slopes to fresh cold wind deposited snow in north facing chutes.

Yesterday, strong winds once again impacted the mountain with upper elevation ridgeline gusts reaching 50 mph, but these were not enough to prevent surface snow melting by mid-afternoon on all but north facing slopes.   These north facing slopes still contained some soft snow, but were more wind affected than earlier in the week.  No wet-loose avalanches were observed yesterday, but evidence of wet-loose avalanches from previous warm periods was widespread.  Last night, temperatures above approximately 10,000 feet dipped below freezing and surfaces will be frozen this morning across the mountain.

Despite the high winds, wind slab formation was likely minimal as there was little snow available for transport.  Almost no blowing snow was observed yesterday as all but north facing slopes were either frozen or laden with heavy melting surfaces from the melt-freeze cycle.  Nonetheless, it is possible that there are a few pockets of newly formed wind slab on the leeward side of ridgelines or in cross-loaded gullies.  If entering complex above treeline terrain, be on the lookout for these small mounds of snow or for wind drifts with a few inches of fresh wind deposited snow.  These avalanches would be small to very small and located in very isolated pockets.  

The probability of wet loose avalanches is low today, but that does not mean they are impossible.  Continue to be observant and let your own experience determine your decision making.  If you see roller balls or experience slushy snow, especially on south facing slopes of all elevations, know that these wet-loose slides could be an issue.

Finally, although most of the mountain has entered a melt-freeze cycle, continue to practice appropriate backcountry travel.  Ski one at a time, avoid stopping in run-out zones, and keep eyes on one another.  Don't let the springtime conditions lull you into a state of complacency.

In general the mountain is holding snow well.  Snow depths on south facing slopes are averaging between 110 and 130 cms.  On ridglines and south and west facing slopes, exposed rocks are acting as thermal sources, and melting is spreading around these features.  Efficient travel will not last much longer with these trends, so in the coming days, be prepared to skin over rock and gravel or be in and out of your equipment.  Numerous lines still exist from the Humphrey's Trail saddle into the ski area.  This is a rarity for this time of year and is making for convenient skiing conditions.  

If you are headed out early, ski and splitboard crampons are recommended.  Until the slopes begin to melt, they are icy and any slip could result in a significant fall.  Time your tours appropriately if you are unprepared for hard conditions.  Yesterday, skinning conditions were improved from the day before, with most slopes of east, south and west aspects softened enough to skin efficiently by 11:30 AM.  

Currently, the SNOTEL site in Snowslide Canyon is nearly 150% of the median snow water equivalent for this time of year. Snow depths in the inner basin near treeline are averaging around 200 cm.  This year, spring powder keeps the snowpack deep at higher elevations, and with this bonus comes increased avalanche danger. Keep a watchful eye, and don't let the last couple of days of spring-like weather lull you into a false sense of security.  

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

Recent observations can be found here.

Congratulations to the winners of the Mikee Linville Power Pass raffle and Spark R&D Spintboard bindings bid!  Thank you to all who entered the raffle and bid, and thank you for supporting the avalanche scholarship program!