Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Issued by Dave Kelly on
Monday morning, March 20, 2023
Monday morning, March 20, 2023
Another Atmospheric River is knocking at our doorstep. With this first wave we can expect up to a foot of snow. The second storm arrives Tuesday night with another 1-2' of snow forecasted above 8,000'. As more snow falls the avalanche danger will rise and the potential for triggering new and wind-drifted snow avalanches on steep terrain over 30 degrees will increase. If snowfall rates hit 1" an hour the avalanche danger will rise.
When the warm March sun comes out the new snow will react very quickly. Any sun-exposed slope with even a few inches of new snow will display signs of instability such as roller-balls and pinwheels. Stay out from any sun affected slope when these signs are present.
Slopes that have new snow or wind-drifted snow have the potential to avalanche. Look for and avoid rounded pillows of new snow, a hollow or drummy feeling snow surface and avoid steep terrain if you see shooting cracks or hear any whumpfing.

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