Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath for
Thursday, February 7, 2019
The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE today and human triggered avalanches are likely on steep, wind drifted slopes. The greatest danger will be found on slopes facing NW-N-E, where deep drifts are overlying a weak snowpack. Avalanches breaking down into buried persistent weak layers are likely in these areas. NW winds today may also deposit fresh wind drifts on to southerly aspects. Look for recent deposits of wind drifted snow on the lee sides of terrain features like sub ridges and gully walls in the upper elevations. Most mid and low elevation, south facing terrain has a MODERATE danger.
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.
Weather and Snow
Up to 2' of snow, accompanied by strong winds has fallen in the Abajos since Sunday. Natalie Randall from ROAM Industry reported good conditions at the old ski yesterday with 6" of new. They also reported some collapsing in the snowpack.
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 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.