October Snows Cause Interesting Snow Safety Issues - by Patrol Director, Kei Braun

As we feel the first frost in Taos the excitement grows for the coming winter. With the first snows skiers celebrate the coming season.  But, for snow safety experts at TSV, the first snows set off an interesting chain of events

 Firs,t the snow can completely melt (or subliminate) during the likely return of a warm Indian summer. However, in some cases it can sit on the ground until to the spring melt next year. This occurs frequently on the steep north facing slopes of the Sangre De Cristos.  Each snow event deposits a layer that has its own flexibility, strength and ability to bond to the surface layer below and strong winds associated with snow storms deposit varying depths of snow on the mountain. The density of Taos snows varies from 4%-15% water with our average snows coming in at 7.5% water and 92.5%  air.  The cold nights of November and December combined with relatively warm ground transforms the crystals that fell in October into something very different.  Through a metamorphic process caused by the temperature gradient a very dry, square crystal that resembles cane sugar is produced. These crystals don’t bond well to other layers and are not strong.  Thus, when new snow falls later in the season, it doesn’t bond to the old snow causing an unstable layer deep in the snowpack.  This deep layer presents an extremely difficult forecasting challenge and potentially dangerous situation for all skiers in the southern Rockies.  The best case scenario for snowfall was what occurred in 2007, when in mid December 40’ of snow fell on dry ground in two days.  Usually October snows persist and require many storm cycles before avalanches flush out the rotten snow.

After seven months of summer, pristine white snow can be irresistible.  Remember that the rocky slopes around Taos require much more than a foot of light snow for good coverage.  The consequences of punching through seemingly deep October snows to the rocks and stumps below can be season ending.  Literature shows that if a person survives an avalanche and is rescued in 30 minutes the odds of survival are 50%.  This is not the case in the southern Rockies where thin snow cover and avalanche speeds routinely reaching 60mph can produce devastating trauma.  Make sure that before traveling in the back-country that you understand the stability of the snowpack, have the appropriate gear, a trained partner, and a plan.  For information on gear and snow safety seminars call Taos Mountain Outfitters 758-9292.