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Observation: Abajo Mountains

Observation Date
1/16/2015
Observer Name
Trenbeath
Region
Abajos » Abajo Mountains
Location Name or Route
North Creek, Abajo Mountains
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Beautiful day in the mountains. Not warm enough for wet slide activity however.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

The Abajos have had an extremely low snow year. The storm of Monday, January 12 deposited 10-14" of medium density snow nearly doubling the snowpack in most locations. Sheltered north faces at upper elevations have up to 30" of snow but overall average depth is 20-24". South faces, even at upper elevations were mostly bare ground prior to Monday's storm. Snow surface less affected by NE wind event of January 13, soft settled powder conditions abound.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Overall shallow and weak snowpack nearly doubled by storm of Monday, January 12. Old snow surface had formed a thick crust with underlying facets. Easy shear between new snow and old snow surface on top of crust.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments

Expect shear above crust to persist and become more problematic with next snow load. Facets under crust were moist and rounding on sunnier slopes but will remain loose on shadier aspects.

Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
10,000'
Slope Angle
35°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates