Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Abajo Area Mountains Issued by Evelyn Lees for Friday - January 8, 2016 - 10:48am
bottom line

An unexpected large amount of new snow has increased the avalanche danger to CONSIDERABLE on all slopes of all aspects at and above tree line. Human triggered avalanches are likely, and natural avalanches are possible. Slopes facing northwest through east are the most likely aspects where natural avalanche activity may occur. Low elevation slopes have a moderate danger. Backcountry travelers need good terrain and snowpack stability evaluation skills and to use conservative decision making.




special announcement

This advisory will provide detailed snow, avalanche and mountain weather information on weekends. During the week, general information and an overall danger rating will be provided.

current conditions

Update 1/8/16 - About a foot of new snow has fallen.

The snowpack is still relatively thin but there is enough snow to ride around on. Base depth varies from around 2' at lower elevations to around 3' up high. Winds have affected the snow surface in exposed areas, but settled powder remains in sheltered locations.

Winds, temperature and humidity on Abajo Peak.

Snow totals at Buckboard Flat.

recent activity

weather

Today

Snow. High near 27. Breezy, with a south wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Tonight

Snow. Low around 12. Breezy, with a west southwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Thursday

Snow. High near 20. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Thursday Night

Snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 11. South southwest wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Friday

Snow likely. Cloudy, with a high near 18. West southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming southeast in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

general announcements

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.