Forecast for the Abajo Area Mountains
Tuesday morning, February 28, 2017
Wind and drifting snow have created a MODERATE avalanche danger. and human triggered avalanches are possible on steep slopes with recent deposits of wind drifted snow. On steep, upper elevation slopes that face N-NE-E, there may be areas of CONSIDERABLE danger. Backcountry travelers today need to be able to identify recently formed wind slabs and avoid steep slopes where they are present. Look for signs of instability such as cracking in the snow surface, and avoid smooth, rounded pillows of recently deposited, wind drifted snow.
Special Announcements
The Abajo/Blue Mountain avalanche advisory will provide detailed information on the weekends. During the week, general information and a danger rating will be posted.
Earlier this month, Colorado experienced a snowbike fatality. This is the newest user group to venture into avalanche terrain, and we have several snowbikes in the area. It's a tragic story, and a complex situation where the victim had an airbag but wasn't wearing a beacon. Read the story in the official report from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
Weather and Snow
Suffering from a dearth of Snotel data this moring, but with 2-3" of snow in Monticello, I'd expect to find up to 6" of new snow up high. Winds howled all day yesterday from the WSW. Expect to find areas of wind drifted snow alternating with scoured surfaces in exposed areas.
Additional Information
Today look for lingering snow showers and cloudy skies with maybe and inch or two possible. WNW winds will be on the increase today blowing in the 15-20 mph. High temperature at 10,000' will be near 20 degrees. This system will exit the area tonight with sunny weather and warming conditions on tap for the rest of the week.
General Announcements
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The information in this advisory is from the US Forest Service which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.