20230123_Fairview Mountain, Lake Fork moraine

Observation Date:

January 23, 2023

Submitted:

January 24, 2023

Zone or Region:

Taos Area

Activity:

Skiing/Snowboarding

Location:

Fairview Mountain, Lake Fork moraine

Did you observe any avalanches?

Yes

Comments:

Fairview Mountain east slopes known as the Pyramid - large recent release appeared to have occurred possibly Friday or Friday night, maybe earlier last week, based on debris density and amount of new snow drifting onto and across debris and visible beneath crowns visible on the middle bench and below the lower cliff band. Initial release appeared to have occurred in the chutes above, low visibility prevented accurate sighting. Debris deposits in the gully at the bottom were up to 2 meters deep.

Photo:

Crossing the open moraine below Lake Fork, north to south continuing across the lower runout below the Ice Spider couloir and into the lower-angled forest to the south, moderate winds from the east were consistently moving snow, 3-4cm during the day. Wind chill temps were cold, likely single digits F. Snow surface was a mix of dense wind-affected snow on open slopes, and cold powder in sheltered forested terrain. 1-.5m depths, some sections of creeks were exposed. Coverage is adequate and riding conditions were decent.