WOUS45 KABQ 232236
AVAABQ
NMZ213-241300-

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Avalanche Watch
Taos Avalanche Center
Relayed by National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
336 PM MST Fri Jan 23 2026

The following message is transmitted at the request of the Taos
Avalanche Center.

The Taos Avalanche Center in Taos has issued a Backcountry
Avalanche Watch.

* WHAT...Expect rapidly changing and increasing avalanche danger
  overnight and through the weekend, when avalanche danger is
  expected to reach HIGH. Up to 18 inches of snow is forecast
  through Sunday morning.

* WHERE...Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area and Columbine Hondo
  Wilderness above 9000 feet.

* WHEN... In effect from 3 PM Friday to 6 AM Sunday. Greatest
  avalanche risk will be from 6 AM Saturday to 6 AM Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Heavy snow combined with wind will likely create
  widespread areas of unstable snow.

* PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Dangerous avalanche
  conditions are expected to develop early on Saturday. Careful
  snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding and conservative
  decision-making are essential for travel in the backcountry this
  weekend. This Avalanche Watch is scheduled to expire on Saturday
  at 6 AM. Check back with the Taos Avalanche Center to see if the
  Avalanche Watch is extended, or upgraded to an Avalanche
  Warning.

Consult http://www.taosavalanchecenter.org or www.avalanche.org
for more detailed information.

Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the
coverage area of this or any avalanche center.

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