Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Abajo Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Tuesday - January 19, 2016 - 7:36am
bottom line

The avalanche danger is generally MODERATE but areas of elevated concern exist on steep slopes that face NW-N-E. In theses areas, it is possible for the additional weight of a rider to cause a deep and dangerous avalanche releasing on buried weak snow. Suspect gullies and terrain that is heavily featured with steep roll overs and convexities.

There is also a MODERATE danger for wind slab avalanches in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain. Avoid steep slopes that have recent deposits of wind drifted snow.
special announcement

The Abajo / Blue Mountain advisory provides detailed snow and avalanche information on weekends, with a general danger rating during the week.

current conditions

Snow depth varies from 3-4' deep depending on elevation throughout the range. Wind and sun during the week has crusted over the snow surface in exposed locations, but soft snow still remains in sheltered areas.

Winds, temperature and humidity on Abajo Peak.

Snow totals at Buckboard Flat.
recent activity
weather

Today

A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly after 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. North wind 5 to 15 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Tonight

Snow likely, mainly after 9pm. Cloudy, with a low around 19. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Wednesday

Snow likely, mainly before 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 24. West northwest wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Wednesday Night

A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly before 11pm. Areas of blowing snow after 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 11. Blustery, with a north northwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 27. Blustery, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 17.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 31.
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.