Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Monday morning, January 14, 2019
The avalanche danger is MODERATE, and human triggered avalanches failing 2'-3' deep on a layer of weak, sugary snow remain possible on steep slopes facing W-N-E. We are trending downward on the danger scale, but this is the period when most avalanche accidents happen. Continue to avoid steep, avalanche prone slopes, especially if they appear to be wind drifted, and be alert to signs of instability such as cracking or collapsing in the snowpack. Stick to low angle, wind sheltered terrain.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements
We will be offering a Backcountry 101 avalanche course on Feb 8, 9. It's a great way to up your avalanche knowledge with both classroom, and hands on field instruction. Click here for more details and to register.
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Check out the new free online avalanche course series developed by the Utah Avalanche Center. This is a great way to refresh your skills or prepare you for a Backcountry 101 or Level 1 class.
Weather and Snow
Last Sunday's storm brought 8"-10" to the mountains and conditions are greatly improved though there is still grass sticking out on exposed south facing slopes. A weak layer of loose, sugary, faceted snow exists at the base of the snowpack. This layer exists on northerly aspects and is providing an extremely unstable base for the current snow load. Wind drifted snow has added additional stress to this buried weak layer, and backcountry skiers and riders should avoid steep, wind drifted slopes, particularly those that face the north half of the compass.
Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')
Wind, temperature, and humidity on Abajo Peak (11,000')
National Weather Service point forecast.
Recent Avalanches
The Abajo Mountains experienced a significant round of both human triggered and natural avalanche activity last week.
General Announcements
Your information can save lives. If you see anything we should know about, please help us out by submitting snow and avalanche observations HERE. You can also call me at 801-647-8896, or send me an email: [email protected].
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This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.