Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the Abajo Range, and the avalanche danger is HIGH. Natural avalanches are likely, and human-triggered avalanches are very likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Avoid being on or beneath steep slopes. You can trigger avalanches from a distance, including slopes that are above you.

The Abajos have picked up six to eight inches of snow with 1 inch of snow water equivalent (SWE) since Monday. This may not sound like a lot of snow, but 1 inch of SWE is a significant load on what is a very weak and sensitive pre-existing snowpack. Any slope that previously held snow became very weak and faceted during the January dry spell. Slopes that face west to north to east harbor this weak structure. Strong southwest winds are adding to the problem. The same slopes that harbor weak snow are the same slopes that are being wind-loaded. Slabs of wind-drifted snow above weak facets will be sensitive and easy to trigger. The bullseye terrain for this is mid to upper-elevation slopes that face north to east. Today is not a day to try to outsmart any avalanche problems. Keep it simple and avoid avalanche terrain.