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Forecast for the Abajo Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath for
Sunday, January 21, 2018

The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE today. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist and human triggered avalanches are likely on steep slopes that face NW-N-E. Natural avalanches are possible. The new snow load has added stress to the fragile underlying snowpack, and increasing winds today will form dangerous drifts in exposed terrain. Backcountry travelers should stay off of and out from under steep slopes today.​

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Special Announcements

We've scheduled our annual Backcountry 101 avalanche course for Feb 2,3. For more information or to register go here.

We've also scheduled a Motorized Backcountry 101 for snowmobiles and snowbikes. For more information or to register go here.

Weather and Snow

Finally some significant snow! Buckboard Flat is reporting 10" of new bringing the base up to 16". Winds on Abajo peak are light from the WNW and temps are in the low teens at 9000'. Coverage remains very thin, but this looks like it could finally be the beginning of winter!

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

Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')

Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')

Avalanche Problem #1
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

The existing snowpack is very shallow and weak, and the new snow load has created dangerous persistent slab conditions on steep, upper elevation slopes that face NW-N-E. Backountry travelers should avoid this kind of terrain. Telltale signs of instability include whoomphing sounds and collapsing of the snowpack.

Avalanche Problem #2
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

Increasing winds today will move blow the loose snow around forming dangerous drifts on the lee sides of upper elevation ridge crests and terrain features. Look for signs of instability such as cracking in the snow surface, and avoid smooth rounded deposits of wind drifted snow.

Additional Information


General Announcements

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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 occur.

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