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Observation: Abajo Mountains

Observation Date
2/1/2014
Observer Name
Scott Watson
Region
Abajos » Abajo Mountains
Location Name or Route
Abajo Mountains-North Creek
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
A recent storm deposited 9 inches of snow at the Dalton Springs Snotel site a mile from where the observation was made. A persistent high pressure dominated the weather over the previous 6 weeks resulting in an unstable layer of snow. Light winds are transporting the snow to the ridges in North Creek Canyon.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
11"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
New Snow is moderately dense on a 6 week old layer of old snowpack.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Wind is transporting the snowpack and loading a weak sub-layer several inches deep.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
New snow on top of rotten old snow. While no major slides were observed, snowmobile use has demonstrated potential for slides on a smaller scale. As an unsettled weather pattern will deposit snow over the next few days look for the snowpack to become increasingly unstable.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Winds out of the south. With the new snow and accompanying winds, expect loading to occur on ridges in North Creek Canyon.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,300'
Slope Angle
29°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates