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Snowpack Summary for Friday, February 26, 2021 1:51 PM Small Storms but More Springtime Conditions Ahead

This summary expired Feb. 28, 2021 1:51 PM

Flagstaff, Arizona - Backcountry of The San Francisco Peaks and Kachina Peaks Wilderness

Disclaimer

Format and Limitations Statement

Newsletter

This summary is generously sponsored by Peace Surplus. Voted best outdoor shop 10 years straight, by the people of Flagstaff and the Arizona Daily Sun.
Peace Surplus
Overall Dry, windy and sunny conditions characterized the week. It’s been nearly 14 days since the Valentine’s storm and since any significant accumulation; but a small disturbance will hit the San Francisco Peaks on Sunday. Currently natural and human caused avalanches are unlikely, but the forthcoming storm could bring a small chance of isolated wind slab problem depending on precipitation levels. See more under weather.
Skiing across the peaks is highly variable. If you can find the snow, south facing slopes have been in a melt/freeze cycle, while other aspects may be wind-blown or sun crusted. Wind deposited snow was still being found throughout the week on leeward aspects, while exposed slopes above treeline are very firm. An ice axe may be a valuable safety option, or ski pole/axe combination.
Hazardous conditions continue across other forecast zones and February of 2021 will unfortunately go down as one of the deadliest months in avalanche history. See additional under "more."
Interesting data related to the February avalanche fatalities show that many victims were essentially skiing solo. Either they were alone or their partners were not in a situation to perform an effective rescue.
For more information and accident details see https://avalanche.org/avalanche-accidents/
Near and Above TreelineMuch of the southerly and westerly slopes are scoured to rock. On south facing slopes snow is nearly absent. Although access requires caution, and possibly crampons, snow depths on north and easterly slopes are well over a meter in numerous locations.
Weak layers continue to be present beneath the Valentine’s storm and could be reactive at specific trigger points. Wind deposited snow was reported throughout the inner basin during the week. Although reactivity was low, Sunday's storm could deposit additional snow on leeward sides of ridges and in gullies creating pockets of avalanche prone wind slab.
Below TreelineWatch for obstacles amongst the trees. Northerly and easterly slopes could be used to access upper elevations but even in these areas caution is warranted. Much of the south and westerly slopes are down to patchy snow.

Current Problems (noninclusive) more info

Wind Slab
problem 1
Sunday’s storm will likely be accompanied by enough wind to transport snow on ridgelines at and above tree line elevations. Although it is currently forecasted as a dry storm, if as little as 2 to 3 inches of snow materialize, this accompanied with optimal wind transport, could result in isolated wind slabs.
Wet Slab
problem 2
As temperatures increase this week, south facing slopes, or any slope that does not experience freezing temperatures, may become saturated and unstable.
There is ample snowpack at higher elevations, particularly on the eastern and northern aspects of the Agassiz to Humphrey's Peak ridgeline and Abineau Canyon. Spring conditions can occur though it is still technically winter.

Images

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Base of Humphrey's Cirque/Core Ridge looking west. Photo Credit: Tanner Porter 2.21.21

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Snowslide Canyon (east aspect of Agassiz Peak) with the Humphrey's Cirque in the background. 2-24-21 Derik Spice

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Final Thoughts

Always carry the 10 essentials and avalanche rescue gear for wintertime wilderness travel. Submit your observations here.
For AZ Snowbowl uphill access updates, please refer to snowbowl.ski and flagstaffuphill.com. Expect uphill closures during and shortly after large storm events.
Thank you to our generous sponsors for supporting the Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center!

Weather

Weather updated Thursday February 25
Although cold temperatures remain, conditions are beginning to beckon the coming of Spring. This will change briefly on Sunday when a low enters the region dropping daily highs as much as 15 degrees and bringing a slight chance of precipitation. Although amounts are uncertain, this system appears to be dry and accumulation of more than an inch or two is not anticipated. Temperatures will likely rebound quickly. By mid-week another system approaches the region, yet it too may bring little to no snow accumulation. Temperatures during this storm will be warm and this trend will continue into later in the week.
Snowslide SNOTEL reports 34" (86 cm) of snow at 9,730' on Thursday, February 26 down from a maximum of 51" (130 cm) on January 29th. Since Friday, February 12 Snowslide SNOTEL low temperatures have ranged between 6°F on February 17, to 28°F on February 24, while highs have ranged from 32°F on February 18 to 49°F on February 19. For the same period, ASBTP (11,555') reported a minimum of 1°F on February 18, and a maximum temperature of 43°F on February 22.
So far this winter we have had a total of 128" (325cm) of snowfall at 10,800 feet, with a 40" (107 cm) undisturbed settled base depth reported by Arizona Snowbowl on February 26.
Weather Links

Authored/Edited By: Mathieu Brown, Derik Spice

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Snowpack Summary Archive

Avalanche Problems/Characters

The avalanche problem/character describes part of the current avalanche danger. However because we only realease a summary once a week, the current avalanche problem will likely change. Understanding avalanche problems is essential, because it allows you to determine your approach and strategies to risk treatment. Below are brief descriptions of avalanche problems/characters, and links to detailed information on the problem, formation, patterns, recognition, and avoidance strategies.
Avalanche Problems Explained
Also see the North American Danger Scale.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry

Release of dry unconsolidated snow. These avalanches typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. Loose-dry avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose-dry avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.

Loose Dry avalanches are usually relatively harmless to people. They can be hazardous if you are caught and carried into or over a terrain trap (e.g. gully, rocks, dense timber, cliff, crevasse) or down a long slope. Avoid traveling in or above terrain traps when Loose Dry avalanches are likely. more info

Storm Slab

Storm Slab

Release of a soft cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within the storm snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slab problems typically last between a few hours and few days. Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

You can reduce your risk from Storm Slabs by waiting a day or two after a storm before venturing into steep terrain. Storm slabs are most dangerous on slopes with terrain traps, such as timber, gullies, over cliffs, or terrain features that make it difficult for a rider to escape off the side. more info

Wind Slab

Wind Slab

Release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Wind Slabs form in specific areas, and are confined to lee and cross-loaded terrain features. They can be avoided by sticking to sheltered or wind-scoured areas. more info

Persistent Slab

Persistent Slab

Release of a cohesive layer of soft to hard snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.

The best ways to manage the risk from Persistent Slabs is to make conservative terrain choices. They can be triggered by light loads and weeks after the last storm. The slabs often propagate in surprising and unpredictable ways. This makes this problem difficult to predict and manage and requires a wide safety buffer to handle the uncertainty. more info

Deep Persistent Slab

Deep Persistent Slab

Release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer, deep in the snowpack or near the ground. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage. They commonly develop when Persistent Slabs become more deeply buried over time.

Deep Persistent Slabs are destructive and deadly events that can take months to stabilize. You can trigger them from well down in the avalanche path, and after dozens of tracks have crossed the slope. more info

Loose Wet

Loose Wet

Release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. They generally move slowly, but can contain enough mass to cause significant damage to trees, cars or buildings. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.

Travel when the snow surface is colder and stronger. Plan your trips to avoid crossing on or under very steep slopes in the afternoon. Move to colder, shadier slopes once the snow surface turns slushly. Avoid steep, sunlit slopes above terrain traps, cliffs areas and long sustained steep pitches. more info

Wet Slab

Wet Slab

Release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) that is generally moist or wet when the flow of liquid water weakens the bond between the slab and the surface below (snow or ground). They often occur during prolonged warming events and/or rain-on-snow events. Wet Slabs can be very destructive.

Avoid terrain where and when you suspect Wet Slab avalanche activity. Give yourself a wide safety buffer to handle the uncertainty. more info

Cornice Fall

Cornice Fall

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind lips of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.

Cornices can never be trusted and avoiding them is necessary for safe backcountry travel. Stay well back from ridge line areas with cornices. They often overhang the ridge edge can be triggered remotely. Avoid areas underneath cornices. Even small Cornice Fall can trigger a larger avalanche and large Cornice Fall can easily crush a human. Periods of significant temperature warm-up are times to be particularly aware.

Large cornices are generally rare in Arizona, but they have been observed during very snowy winters. more info

Glide

Glide

Release of the entire snow cover as a result of gliding over the ground. Glide avalanches can be composed of wet, moist, or almost entirely dry snow. They typically occur in very specific paths, where the slope is steep enough and the ground surface is relatively smooth. The are often proceeded by full depth cracks (glide cracks), though the time between the appearance of a crack and an avalanche can vary between seconds and months. Glide avalanches are unlikely to be triggered by a person, are nearly impossible to forecast, and thus pose a hazard that is extremely difficult to manage.

Predicting the release of Glide Avalanches is very challenging. Because Glide Avalanches only occur on very specific slopes, safe travel relies on identifying and avoiding those slopes. Glide cracks are a significant indicator, as are recent Glide Avalanches.

Glide avalanches are very uncommon in Arizona. more info

Snowpack Summary Disclaimer

The summaries on this site were written by Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center Board Members. They are based on a broad spectrum of data collected from weather stations, National Weather Service point forecasts and field observation by qualified individuals.

The summaries are not intended to substitute for good knowledge and decision making skills in avalanche terrain. If you have any doubt of stable conditions, please stay away from avalanche terrain. You can usually find good places to go that are not prone to avalanches, such as on low angle slopes away from avalanche run-out zones. If you have any questions about where to find such places, you should consider further avalanche educational opportunities, such as those listed on our education page.

Snowpack Summary – Format and Limitations Statement

Starting in 2012 Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center (KPAC) has publish a weekly Snowpack Summary on our website. These summaries are currently issued on Friday afternoons. On occasion, we will give storm updates or warnings of rapidly increasing avalanche hazard at more frequent intervals. Our objective is to reach weekend recreationist, informing this user group of prevailing conditions, but particularly warning of avalanche hazards whenever they are present. Many people have asked us why we use the format we do, but do not include a danger rating or a hazard/stability rose as many other avalanche centers do around the west.

The National Avalanche Center (NAC) advises small operations like KPAC, who do not issue daily bulletins to not use danger ratings in our snowpack summaries due to the regular but intermittent nature of their field observations and the length of time between issuance of snowpack summaries. A primary concern is for how conditions can change in the time between publications, potentially giving the public misleading information. At this point, we simply do not have resources to monitor the snowpack at the level necessary to accurately produce more frequent bulletins. While we understand the benefits of a danger rating using the North American Danger Scale, we also feel that our format encourages people to dig in a little deeper, and spend some time reading what our forecasters are saying. Although the area that we forecast is relatively small, the variability has proven quite large. Inner Basin conditions are often surprisingly different from those on the more wind-affected western side on the Peaks.

We hope the information that we provide in summaries helps give you a good overview of what is going on out there, and what avalanche problems you should be attentive to, but if there is any uncertainty, then we encourage you to ask questions via Facebook or info@kachinapeaks.org.

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