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Taos Avalanche Center

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
November 29, 2020
Submitted:
November 29, 2020
Observer:
TAC - Andy Bond
Zone or Region:
Taos Area
Location:
Wildy Bowl

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Improving

Bottom Line

Any snowpack instabilities will be found on North through East above treeline in the alpine. Good powder skiing near treeline in the trees, but lots of natural obstacles still exist.

Media

multiple graupel layers found under a cliff band on a north aspect at 11,900'

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
15 - 20
Wind:
Calm , W

Snowpack Observations

Toured back in Wildy Bowl to look at above treeline north-facing terrain. There is 2 to 3 inches of very-low-density snow from Friday night into Saturday on top of about a foot of snow from the 11/23-24 storm. There is still an obvious graupel layer that sits above a pencil hard wind slab but this layer is not showing a willingness to propagate. 1 to 2 mm basal facets was found in snowpacks less than 100 cm. We continue to get these basal facets to fail and propagate with moderate force.

Collapsing and cracking has subsided in the last several days. Triggering an avalanche is stubborn right now but don't feel that we've gone into dormancy just yet, but are heading in that direction.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Persistent Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
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