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Observation: Abajo Mountains

Observation Date
2/3/2016
Observer Name
Reed Kennard
Region
Abajos » Abajo Mountains
Location Name or Route
Blue Mountain ski area
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
It was a cold clear day down at the old ski area with temperatures in the teens and light winds out of the west.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Fantastic skiing in the Abajo's the past two days. About a foot of new snow fell on the first. Heavy winds yesterday created some wind crust and slabs in exposed areas, however sheltered areas provided some excellent skiing. Thankfully the cold temps have helped preserve sun exposed areas.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We found several areas of wind crusted snow. Our snow pit revealed about 10" of faceted snow at ground level on a north east facing slope. Snow depth was 145 cm. Our compression test yielded a result of CT22 Q3 and it failed about 50cm down on a layer of old surface facets.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,500'
Slope Angle
25°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates