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Taos Avalanche Center

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 23, 2023
Submitted:
February 24, 2023
Zone or Region:
Santa Fe Area
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Big Tesuque

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
No
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
Yes, Isolated

Observations

I dug a pit on a NW aspect NTLl (11300) in Big Tesuque. My objective was to observe any reactivity/stability on PWL 50cm from surface. I got a CTM @ 51cm & ECTP #20 . Test showed fracture and propagation on the PWL. When trying to fill the pit with my splitboard I experienced a big Whumpf on that same aspect confirming what the test showed.

Media

Snow Profile 20230223 on NW aspect NTL (11300) on a 27 deg slope

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Persistent Slab
Comments: 
I observed a PWL 50cm down from surface, stubborn with a potential D2 size.
Observed Avalanche Problem #2: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
I observed wind transport on SW & W aspects, wind slabs on N and NW aspects of 10cm. Reactivity was stubborn.
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