Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Monday morning, February 4, 2019
Blowing and drifting snow have created dangerous avalanche conditions and the avalanche danger is HIGH on upper elevation slopes that face the north half of the compass. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely on steep, wind drifted slopes, and natural avalanches are possible off the steep, higher peaks. Above treeline, shallow wind slabs may be found on all aspects, but deeper drifts will have formed on slopes facing NW-N-E. Avoid steep slopes with recent deposits of wind drifted snow, and stay out from under high, steep faces that have a northerly aspect.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
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.
Weather and Snow
6"-10" of snow accomopanied by strong SW winds fell in the Abajos yesterday. Winds tapered of mid-day but are again on the rise blowing 25-30 mph with gusts into the 40's in Abajo Peak. Today look for mostly cloudy skies, a chance for snow, and continued blustery conditions and strong SW winds. Temps will climb up to near 30 degrees. They are currently in the low 20's at 10,000'. We'll see unsettled weather today into tomorrow before the next significant storm arrives Tue night or Wed.
Kevin Dressel was out yesterday and sent in this observation.
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. 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 will add additional 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].
Support the UAC through your daily shopping. When you shop at Smith's, or online at REI, Backcountry.com, Patagonia, NRS, Amazon, eBay by clicking on these links, they donate a portion of your purchase to the UAC. If you sell on eBay, you can have your See our Affiliate Page for more details on how you can support the UAC when you shop
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.