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Taos Avalanche Center

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 30, 2020
Submitted:
December 30, 2020
Observer:
TAC - Steve Gately
Zone or Region:
Taos Area
Location:
Long Canyon - Natural Avalanches

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
Isolated

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

There was evidence of natural avalanche activity from the previous 48hrs on North, East, and Southeast aspects. It's obvious that we are dealing with a sensitive snowpack and it will take some time for this instability to adjust. Human-triggered avalanches are still likely on these aspects near and above tree line.

Media

Fresh cornices were failing and triggering small avalanches off the leeward sides of ridges.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
14
Wind:
Calm , N

Clear and sunny skies with calm winds. By early afternoon the solar aspects were taking heat.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Past 48 hours Long Canyon
E 11,800'
D1.5 SS O-Old Snow 2' N-Natural Several natural D1-1.5 avalanches that failed on buried facets within old snow.
Several natural D1-1.5 avalanches that failed into old snow.
2 Past 48 hours Long Canyon
E 11,800'
D2 SS O-Old Snow 2' N-Natural This large D2 avalanche was likely triggered by a wind slab avalanche from a cornice fall. This initial wind slab avalanche would break into buried facets within the old snow.

There were at least three other natural avalanches observed including one on a Southeast Aspect. This is the second natural avalanche observed on that aspect. We continue to predominately observe recent natural activity on North and East aspects. This was likely to do wind loading from strong winds from Dec 27-28

Snowpack Observations

All of these natural avalanches appeared to fail into a layer of facets just beneath a decomposing wind slab buried about 2' down.

Just below the ridgeline with a natural avalanche 100' below on a steeper portion of the slope

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

Terrain Use

Long Canyon is almost entirely avalanche terrain and it can be a difficult place to access the ridgeline. We traveled up a heavily wooded Southerly aspect that held very little old snow. We opted to descend the same route.

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