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Observation: North Creek - Abajo Mtns.

Observation Date
3/16/2024
Observer Name
Chris Benson
Region
Abajos » North Creek - Abajo Mtns.
Location Name or Route
North Creek
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Rapid Warming
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Hst ranged from 45-55cm (~3.0"SWE!!) and fell on a stout melt freeze crust on both NW and E aspects from 9,200 to 9,600'. Hs ranged from 120 to 150cm. East and SE wind had stripped this snow and loaded NW and W. Most test results were failing at this interface.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Poor structure still exists although weak temp. gradients and moist basal facets appear to be gaining strength. I observed several collapses both on skis and while on foot and assume that failures were probably occutring on the basal DH.
Also noticed some NSFs buried between two MFcrs, could be an issue with more loading, but for the time being, seems like the stout crust from last weeks warm temps is bridging above this potential weak layer.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates