Observation: Abajos

Observation Date
1/10/2026
Observer Name
Carrie, Cory, Matt
Region
Abajos
Location Name or Route
N Creek Double hairpin
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
On our tour today, we saw no signs of instability. We weren't able to trigger any avalanches on test slopes below the rain crust. We had a small dry-loose on top of the rain crust on a test slope. The conditions in the Abajos are extremely thin. The new snow that fell was unconsolidated and very light causing our poles to sink all the way through the 4 inches of snow to the ground. We had to search for a place that had enough snow in a shaded aspect to dig a pit. We found 40cm of facets with a 5cm knife hard rain crust on top. The knife hard layer could be lifted up and held as one piece, it was tremendously strong. We weren't able to penetrate the crust on skis or on foot. What's underneath is what's concerning. The snow beneath the knife hard layer is so unconsolidated that when digging, breaking the rain crust resulted in the lower facet crumbling.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #2 Comments
In the high bowls, Horsehead and Buckboard, we observed wind-drifted pillowed snow and wind scouring visible on the NE and E faces.
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
9,600'
Comments
The skiing is abysmal, we expect to lose what snowpack we have by the time the next storm comes. Not worth your time.
Snow Pilot URL