UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath for
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Special Announcements
With more snow on the way, expect a rising avalanche danger over the next few days!
Weather and Snow
NWS Forecast for the Abajo Mountains
Snow totals and temps at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snow totals and temps at Camp Jackson (8858')

Weather
Warm, cloudy, and breezy conditions will characterize the day as the next storm moves into the region. Snowfall should begin sometime tonight and continue through Sunday. I'm thinking 6"-12" seems a fair bet at this time. The storm train continues with another system on track for Monday night into Tuesday, and yet another weaker system later in the week.

Snowpack Summary and General Conditions
We don't have any current information but It's been nearly two weeks since the last major storm event and subsequent avalanche cycle. Time and warm temperatures have helped the snowpack gain some strength, but a weak layer of loose, sugary, faceted snow still exists at the base. 5" of snow fell this week, and strong southwest through northwesterly winds built fresh slabs of wind drifted snow on leeward aspects that still may be sensitive to the weight of a rider. Potentially unstable wind drifts are recognizable by their smooth, rounded appearance and they may sound or feel hollow underneath. With snow in the forecast over the next several days, expect a rising danger, and be alert to red flag signs of increasing instability such as heavy snowfall, blowing and drifting snow, and cracking in the snow surface. Avoid steep slopes when these signs are present. As new and wind drifted snow accumulates, the potential for triggering a deeper and more dangerous avalanche will increase, and you'll want to scale back your terrain choices over the next few days.
Additional Information
If you are getting out in the backcountry, we'd love to hear what you're seeing. Please submit observations here. For the most recent snowpack observations click here. You can also send an email to [email protected] or give me a call with anything noteworthy, especially avalanches! 801-647-8896
General Announcements
This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.