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Forecast for the Abajo Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Monday morning, March 14, 2016

Overall, the avalanche danger is generally LOW but strong west southwest winds may cause the danger to rise to MODERATE in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain where wind loading may cause slabs to form on the lee sides of ridge crests and terrain features.

Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements

The Abajo / Blue Mountain advisory provides detailed snow, mountain weather, and avalanche information on weekends. During the week, an overall danger rating will be provided with current condition information available through the weather links below.

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Weather and Snow

Spring like snow surfaces reign in the mountains with a variety of wind and sun crusts, as well as wind scoured snow surfaces above tree line. Many south facing slopes are completely melted out. Some areas of settled powder remain on sheltered northerly aspects.

A storm system tracking through to the north will bring clouds and strong westerly winds through Tuesday. Little or no snow accumulation is expected but the severity of the winds may increase the avalanche danger. See detailed problems below.

Winds, temperature and humidity on Abajo Peak.

Snow totals at Buckboard Flat.

Snow totals at Camp Jackson.

Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

The avalanche danger is mostly low at this time. But low danger means that problems may still exist on isolated terrain features. Here are a few problems to remain aware of:

Wind Slabs: Isolated wind slabs may still exist on the lee sides of ridge crests and terrain features in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain, primarily on slopes with a N-NE-E aspect.

Persistent Slabs: It may still be possible to trigger a slab on weak sugary, faceted snow in areas of steep, rocky, and more extreme northerly facing terrain. Slide paths that are repeat runners are also suspect.

Additional Information

Today

Scattered snow showers, mainly between 9am and 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 37. Windy, with a west wind 20 to 25 mph increasing to 30 to 35 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tonight

Scattered snow showers, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. Very windy, with a northwest wind 30 to 40 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 32. Windy, with a west northwest wind 30 to 35 mph decreasing to 25 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 18. Blustery, with a northwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 30. Blustery, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 21.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 35.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 20.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 29. Blustery.

General Announcements

Let me know what you are seeing down there by posting an observation here. You can also call me on my cell phone at 801-647-8896

To receive this advisory by email go here.

This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. 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 exist.

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