Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 9, 2024Submitted:
January 10, 2024Observer:
TAC - Andrew BondZone or Region:
Taos AreaLocation:
Williams Lake drainage/ Natural avalanchesSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
WidespreadCollapsing?
WidespreadSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
PoorConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
ImprovingAdvanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
ClearTemperature:
10 - 17Wind:
Moderate , WBeautiful sunny day, that felt a lot warmer than it was in the intense sun we have here. Moderate west wind were easily drifting throughout the day at ridgetops near and above treeline.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
None |
Many natural avalanches were observed at all elevations mainly on northerly and east aspects. These were all size 1 to 2 with some stepping down into deeper persistent weak layers near the ground.
Snowpack Observations
Stiffer slabs were forming near and above treeline where moderate winds were easily drifting snow. 1 to 3 foot slabs of F to 4F hardness cap a weak and shallow snowpack. Most natural avalanches observed are failing on some faceted weak layer in the snowpack that existed prior to the latest round of snow.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Storm Slab
|
|
Storm slabs were still reactive today with widespread shooting cracks and collapses. The storm slab problem is going to transition to a wind slab problem as winds are expected to pick up tonight through tomorrow and will continue to easily drift snow and stiffen slab on the surface. | |||
Persistent Slab
|
|
Will more than likely be shifting the storm slab avalanche problem to wind slabs tomorrow as winds are expected to ramp up tonight through the day tomorrow.
Terrain Use
Just went for a walk, but it's slogging conditions out there right now. This type of snow forces you to want to get into steeper terrain
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