Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Dave Garcia
Issued by Dave Garcia for
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
The Abajos have picked up just under a foot of heavy snow and dangerous avalanche conditions exist. More snow and strong winds are expected today and the avalanche danger will be increasing with continued snowfall.
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Moderate
Considerable
High
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Weather and Snow
Another Atmospheric River event will impact the area from Mon-Thu with periods of very heavy snowfall expected!
NWS forecast for the Abajo Mountains.
Snow totals and temps at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snow totals and temps at Camp Jackson (8858')

Snowpack Summary and General Conditions
Just under a foot of new snow and more on the way should make for great skiing and riding in the Abajos, but this storm has created dangerous avalanche conditions as well. Backcountry travelers should stick to low angle slopes as more snow and wind is on the way and the danger will only increase today. Human triggered avalanches are likely in both wind drifted snow and accumulating new snow. Be on lookout for fresh slabs of wind drifted snow. These will appear fat, round, and pillowy. Make conservative decisions and stick to slopes that are less steep than 30 degrees.
Additional Information
If you are getting out in the backcountry, we'd love to hear what you're seeing. Please submit observations here. For the most recent snowpack observations click here. You can also send an email to [email protected] or give me a call with anything noteworthy, especially avalanches! 801-647-8896
General Announcements
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.