Due to lack of snow coverage, the melt out of the winter trailhead, and general lack of recreational interest we've discontinued the Abajo advisory for the 2017-18 season. There is still enough snow for an avalanche and changing weather can create a corresponding increase in the avalanche danger. Use the weather links under current conditions to stay abreast of changes.

If you are still traveling in the mountains here are a few things to consider:

-Continue to practice safe travel techniques, ride slopes one at a time, wait at a safe place at the bottom, carry rescue gear, and know how to use it!

-New snow, especially when accompanied by wind, can cause a corresponding rise in avalanche danger. Be alert to changing conditions and avoid recent deposits of wind drifted snow characterized by their smooth, rounded appearance. Look for signs of instability such as cracking in the snow surface, collapsing or whumphing, or the most obvious sign of instability - other avalanches!

-Upper elevation, northerly facing terrain still harbors weak, sugary, faceted snow at the base. It may still be possible to trigger a deep, persistent slab avalanche on some slopes, particularly in areas of rocky or more radical terrain.

-Strong sun and rapid warming correspond to rising avalanche danger. Roller balls, pinwheels, sloppy wet snow, or loose snow sloughing are all signs of instability, Stay off of and out from under steep slopes when these signs are present.

Wind, temperature and humidity on Abajo Peak (11,000')

Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')

Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')

From the east on 3/24/18

From the southeast on 3/24/18

Dalton Springs winter trailhead 3/24/18