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Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Mark Staples
Issued by Mark Staples for
Sunday, March 17, 2019
Today the avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE at the upper elevations. Mid and lower elevations have a MODERATE danger. The new snow from Tuesday/Wednesday has stabilized. Areas with the extra load of wind drifted snow are dangerous and could produce an avalanche. Watch for wet avalanches as the day heats up on lower elevation south and west facing slopes.
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Learn how to read the forecast here
Weather and Snow
This morning temperatures are in the teens F. Winds are calm this morning.
Today will have strong sunshine and clear skies with temperatures reaching the 40s F. Winds will remain calm. The snow on many slopes other than shaded north facing ones became damp yesterday. This morning the snow should have an ice crust that will melt quickly.
The Tuesday/Wednesday storm delivered nearly 15 to 20 inches of snow (1.5 to 2.1 inches of snow water equivalent).
The snowpack in the Abajos is very deep. Yesterday we found snow depths that ranged from 7 feet to 11 feet.
Snotel totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snotel totals at Camp Jackson (8858')
Wind, temperature, and humidity on Abajo Peak (11,000')
National Weather Service point forecast.
Recent Avalanches
On Friday while riding up North Creek and into Indian Creek, I was surprised by the lack of avalanche activity. There has been a major cycle of avalanches in the La Sal Mountains which received about 3 feet of snow this week. Avalanche activity in the Abajos has only been in the new snow.
Below is a photo of an avalanche that occurred in the La Sal mountains. Many others occurred like this one. See the full list HERE.
Additional Information
Carry appropriate rescue gear: beacon, probe, shovel, and choose where you ride based on the avalanche forecast for the day!
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 801-641-6307, or send me an email: [email protected].
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This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
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