Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath for
Saturday, February 9, 2019
The avalanche danger remains CONSIDERABLE on steep, upper elevation, 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 mid and lower elevation, northerly facing terrain, the avalanche danger is MODERATE, and human triggered avalanches involving wind drifted snow, and buried, persistent weak layers are possible. On slopes facing SW-S-SE the avalanche danger is MODERATE to LOW.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements
We are sorry to report that a snowmobiler is missing in an avalanche east of Beaver, Utah near Circleville Mountain. Search and Rescue operations are under way this morning. We will update this situation as more information becomes available.
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 couple of 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.