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Taos Avalanche Center

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 9, 2024
Submitted:
January 10, 2024
Observer:
TAC - Andrew Bond
Zone or Region:
Taos Area
Location:
Williams Lake drainage/ Natural avalanches

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Widespread
Collapsing? 
Widespread
Widespread collapsing and cracking on north and east aspects near treeline and open areas below treeline.

Snow Stability

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

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
10 - 17
Wind:
Moderate , W

Beautiful 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
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
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
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5

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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