January 17, 2024
The Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center advises anyone venturing into the back country on the San Francisco Peaks to beware of elevated avalanche risk after the recent storm.
Officials say the strong winds following Thursday’s snow have shifted snow significantly, resulting in a snowpack with poor structure, resting on a weak layer of ice. The issue raises avalanche risk for the next several days or even weeks; and may become even more dangerous as the season continues, and the weight of additional snow is added on top of the weak layer.
Even slopes that look attractive for skiing or snowboarding can still pose an avalanche risk, in addition to possibly concealing hazards such as rocks, stumps, logs and boulders.
Before venturing into the backcountry, make sure you have proper supplies; and for more information and resources visit kachinapeaks.org.
Josh Freeman | KAZM News Director | josh@mellowmountainradio.com
