Avalanche Danger on San Francisco Peaks

[chumley]

MEDIA RELEASE ______________________________________________

For Immediate Release Contact: Gerry Blair (928) 226-5089
Date: December 8, 2009 or Sgt. Aaron Dick (928) 890-7604
______________________________________________

Flagstaff. AZ- The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Coconino National Forest are warning backcountry mountain travelers to be alert for potential avalanche hazards on the San Francisco Peaks. Due to recent heavy snowfall and high winds there have been reports of natural avalanche activity on the San Francisco Peaks. Hazardous avalanche conditions may exist on the San Francisco Peaks and may remain potentially hazardous for long periods. It is important for those recreating in the backcountry to be aware that no avalanche control is conducted in the backcountry outside of the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Area. The Arizona Snowbowl Ski Area is not currently open for business so there are not any services being offered at this time. Check the Arizona Snowbowl website (http://www.arizonasnowbowl.com) for further information about the ski area

People venturing into mountainous terrain should carry the “ten essentials” plus avalanche rescue equipment such as a shovel, avalanche rescue beacon, avalanche probe, and winter survival gear. Good wilderness navigation and route finding skills are essential. Be prepared for travel and emergencies in the remote winter mountain environment where rescue is not immediate. Do not travel alone and leave a detailed trip plan with a responsible person. It is important to review recent weather reports and forecasts as well as driving conditions prior to and during your trip. Carrying a cell phone is recommended, however, it may not always work in backcountry locations and should not substitute for good judgment and preparation. It is recommended that people who use the mountain backcountry receive formal avalanche safety education and winter survival skills. Free avalanche awareness clinics are offered by the Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center. More information about these clinics can be found at http://www.kachinapeaks.org.

Winter backcountry travel into the Kachina Peaks Wilderness Area from Arizona Snowbowl requires a free annual backcountry permit when the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Area is open for business. This includes the parking areas at FR 522 and Lamar Haines Wildlife Area. Backcountry permits are available in Flagstaff at the Peaks Ranger Station, 5075 N. Highway 89, and the Coconino National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 1824 S Thompson St. Permits will also be available at Arizona Snowbowl’s Agassiz Lodge weekend mornings once the ski area opens.

Ten Essentials:

1. Water
2. Food
3. Extra Warm Clothing
4. Map, Compass, GPS
5. Headlamp/Flashlight
6. First Aid Kit
7. Shelter Material/Space Blanket
8. Fire Starting Kit/Waterproof Matches
9. Pocket Knife/Multi-tool
10. Whistle/Signal Mirror
###

[joebartels]

Interesting, Jim said four feet at the most and that it was dry snow blowing around. For some reason I assumed avalanche conditions would involve ten feet of heavy wet snow.

Guess it can't hurt to take a shovel. I'm doubting whatever denuded Abineau will leave you much use than to hit yourself in the head with it though.

[chumley]

Joe I agree. While I'm a long way from an avalanche expert, I thought that most avalanches occur due to instability between layers of snowfall. I don't believe there was much of a base layer before this storm (except maybe way up top?).

But I can assure you that you don't need heavy wet snow for an avalanche. Wind-packed snow is a very common hazard. And almost any kind of snow can slide given the optimum grade and a trigger.

[joebartels]

instability between layers

Yeah that would seem to be the ticket!

Perhaps the northern flank accumulated more and had more of a base already as opposed to the western side. Jim said the top was practically bare.

[Jim]

They post these every time we get a good storm and they either do it based on a recommendation from someone who doesn't look at the Peaks or simply because it snowed. The little remaining snow that was up there yesterday was blowing away really fast. Only down lower or in trees was it not. The one exception is a NE slope that you can see from the Saddle. It had snow on it, but you wouldn't want to ski it since it had rock at the bottom. Snowbowl Road will be closed this weekend so if people plan to access the Peaks they'll have plan accordingly. I guess it's a good thing I got out yesterday.