Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 12, 2022Submitted:
February 13, 2022Observer:
TAC - AndyZone or Region:
Taos AreaLocation:
Northerly Aspects Above TreelineSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
SteadyMedia
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly SunnyTemperature:
5 - 25Wind:
Moderate , NWCold start to the morning with NW winds in the single digits and teens gusting in the 20 mph range easily transporting the 1 to 2 inches of snow that fell overnight.
Snowpack Observations
Overall stability is good on most slopes, with north and east aspects above treeline that have been wind-affected having stubborn slabs resting on top of faceted snow that formed during the January high-pressure period. Where we have more of a cohesive stiffer slab, it's taking hard force to get the faceted weak layer to fail and propagate across the column.
On slopes where we are not finding cohesive slabs (decomposing F hard snow) we are not getting any results in long column tests due to a lack of slab. This weak layer may become more reactive with another loading event potentially in the middle of next week.
In the media gallery, you can see the difference between the two.
There is still great skiing and riding conditions with light powder on northerly and east aspects today.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
The faceted weak layer that formed during the January high pressure is widespread just below the snow from last week however cohesive slabs are not which is helping with overall stability. Above treeline is where you can find wind stiffened stubborn slabs that are producing hard force to get to fail and propagate in ECT's |