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Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath for
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Blowing and drifting snow over the past several days have created dangerous avalanche conditions, and the avalanche danger remains CONSIDERABLE on steep, wind drifted slopes that face W-N-E. Human triggered avalanches involving wind drifted snow, and buried, persistent weak layers, are likely in these areas and natural avalanches are possible. On slopes facing SW-S-SE the avalanche danger is MODERATE to LOW.
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Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
I'm sorry to report more sad news from the backcountry.
Yesterday, a 49 year old man was killed in an avalanche accident on the west side of Humpy Peak in the East Fork of the Chalk Creek drainage while riding with his son and a friend. A preliminary investigation is found here.
In addition, 41 year old Brad Stapley of St. George was caught and killed in an avalanche east of Beaver, UT near Circleville Mountain on Friday.
Or deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of the victims.
Weather and Snow
Up to 2' of snow, accompanied by strong SW winds has fallen in the Abajos since Sunday. Strong southerly winds over the past several days have continued to blow and drift snow at upper elevations.
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.
Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Natural and human triggered avalanches involving wind drifted snow are likely today primarily on slopes facing NW-N-E. Avoid steep slopes with recent deposits of wind drifted snow
Avalanche Problem #2
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
New snow, and wind drifted snow added stress to buried, persistent weak layers in the snowpack. Our primary concern is layer of weak, sugary snow at the base of the snowpack, and human triggered avalanches failing on this weak layer are likely today. The danger is greatest on steep, mid and upper elevation slopes facing NW-N-E, but in some areas the problem wraps around to W and SE facing slopes.
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.
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