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Taos Avalanche Center

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 22, 2023
Submitted:
January 23, 2023
Zone or Region:
Taos Area
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Hidden trees and wheeler peak trail

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Pit #1: SW aspect below tree line, 10,900ft elevation, slope 22 degrees, cautions travel around open meadows and concavities, low confidence in snowpack, CT 19 with moderate shear at 45cm/18in. Shovel shear pulled full ECT column to the basal facets.

Media

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Storm Slab
Comments: 
Consistent shearing of shovel shear test at 45cm deep on hidden trees skin track. Easy to trigger with potential to propagate on open slopes.
Observed Avalanche Problem #2: 
Persistent Slab
Comments: 
At tree line on wheeler peak trail. Shallow snow pack and weak unsupported storm layers from last 2 weeks were unsettled
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