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Observation: Abajo Peak

Observation Date
12/28/2013
Observer Name
Trenbeath
Region
Abajos » Abajo Peak
Location Name or Route
North Creek-Abajo Peak
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Mixed bag of snow conditions typical after long period of no new snow. Low snow conditions. Wind and sun crusts. Even high elevation east aspects had sun crusts. Many south and east aspects had very low snow, even at upper elevations, with some patches of exposed ground. Soft, settled, re-crystallized powder on shady, sheltered, northerly aspects.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Extremely shallow, weak, faceted snowpack. Conditions ripe for failure when new snow comes.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments

Isolated persistent slabs exist on upper elevation NW-NW aspects, though in most cases, the pack is just extremely shallow and weak. Did observe one, very old slab avalanche on a NW slope at about 11,000' in a steep, relatively wooded area. Small pocket, 30' wide, but up to 2' deep. Old debris piled up against trees.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate