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Observation: North Creek - Abajo Mtns.

Observation Date
12/22/2023
Observer Name
Trenbeath
Region
Abajos » North Creek - Abajo Mtns.
Location Name or Route
North Creek
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Warmish but clammy day in the mountains with low stratus and light southerly winds.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow cover is very thin with mostly dry ground on solar aspects. Snow depth ranges from 10" at 9000' to just under 2' at 10,000' on northerly aspects.
Photo is of the Horse's Head slide path and illustrates the worst of the worst snowcover. Cover is better up higher where northerly aspects are more contiguous.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The shallow snowpack on northerly aspects is very weak and the lower half is faceted through.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
The poor snowpack structure will undoubtedly lead to a persistent weak layer problem when a load is added and a slab develops. This could come as soon as this weekend.
Photo illustrates the poor snowpack structure with faceted snow beginning at the obvious mid-line layer and continuing down to the ground.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
10,200'
Slope Angle
25°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates