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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 9, 2026
Submitted:
January 10, 2026
Observer:
TAC - Jasper
Zone or Region:
Sante Fe Area
Location:
Big Tesuque, E-S-W aspects Below and Near Treeline 11200-12000ft

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
Isolated
Dry Loose and Cornice size 1 on steep East facing slopes near treeline ; Isolated cracking in wind loaded terrain; Isolated collapses in forest clearings below treeline

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Poor
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Worsening

Bottom Line

The first significant storm of the season has deposited a slab on top of a variable base including bare ground, facets and depth hoar. Now we have all the ingredients for avalanches. Facets and depth hoar will now make up a widespread persistent weak layer.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Wind:
Moderate , NW

Stormy morning with S2 snowfall, moderate NW winds at ridgeline and calm winds below treeline. Snow transport onto easterly slopes.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Today Santa Fe River below Communication Towers
E 12000 		D1 C S-New Snow 6 N-Natural Cornice failure

Small cornice failure on east facing slope 12000ft

Snowpack Observations

Around 11000 to 12000 feet snowpack now varies from 8" on solar aspects to over 3 feet in drifts, with the average being around 2 feet. Foot penetration is still nearly full depth. Ski penetration about 12 inches.

Avalanche Problems

Today Dry Loose and Cornice were seen. Structure exists for Persistent Slab.

Terrain Use

Avoided all avalanche terrain and solar slopes due to shallow snow, increasing avalanche hazard, and high uncertainty.

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