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Forecast for the Abajo Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Thursday morning, March 15, 2018

The avalanche danger is generally LOW this morning but could rise to MODERATE this afternoon as wind and blowing snow form shallow wind slabs on the lee sides of ridge crests and terrain features in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain. Be alert to changing conditions and be on the lookout for recent deposits of wind drifted snow.

It may still be possible to trigger an old hard wind slab, or persistent slab avalanche up to 3' deep on a buried weak layer of sugary, faceted snow. The most likely areas to trigger an avalanche are on steep, wind drifted slopes right around treeline and above that face NW-N-NE.

Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements

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Weather and Snow

Wind and sun have been hard on this year's thin snow pack and it's dwindling rapidly since the last significant storm cycle now more than two weeks ago. South facing slopes are melting out to the ground, and general cover on shady aspects is 2-3'. Kevin Dressell was up yesterday and sent in this report on the end of winter. Let's hope the storm this weekend will prolong it a little more.

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

Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')

Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')

Horse Head Mountain and the view west from North Creek Pass.

Additional Information

Today look for snow showers and periods of blowing snow mostly after noon. 2-4" are possible. Blustery SW winds will be on the increase averaging 30-35 mph along ridge tops. High temps at 10,000' will be in the high 20's.

General Announcements

The UAC has new support programs with Outdoor Research and Darn Tough. Support the UAC through your daily shopping. When you shop at Smith's, or online at Outdoor Research, REI, Backcountry.com, Darn Tough, Patagonia, NRS, Amazon, eBay a portion of your purchase will be donated to the FUAC. See our Donate Page for more details on how you can support the UAC when you shop.

Benefit the Utah Avalanche Center when you buy or sell on eBay - set the Utah Avalanche Center as a favorite non-profit in your eBay account here and click on eBay gives when you buy or sell. You can choose to have your seller fees donated to the UAC, which doesn't cost you a penny

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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