January snowfall has settled into a cohesive slab over a base of loose, weak, sugary, faceted snow. Reports indicate that this slab is not reactive, but I don't trust the structure. Areas where you are most likely to find trouble are on steep, wind loaded, northerly facing slopes. Shifting strong winds have also createded slabs of wind drifted snow on other aspects. Wind slabs form on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features such as gully walls and subridges. They are often recognizable by their smooth, rounded appearance, and cracking is a sign of instability. Avoid steep slopes that have recent deposits of wind drifted snow.

Colin Tucker was up on Thursday and he sent in this observation. He noted poor snowpack structure with a cohesive slab on top of a weak, sugary, faceted base.

NWS forecast for the Abajo Mountains.

Snow totals and temps at Buckboard Flat (8924')

Snow totals and temps at Camp Jackson (8858')