Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Abajo Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Thursday - February 18, 2016 - 7:30am
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In upper elevation, wind exposed terrain there is a MODERATE avalanche danger both for newly deposited wind slabs, and older persistent slabs. This danger exists primarily on steep, northerly facing aspects, on the lee sides of terrain features, gully walls, or beneath rock bands.

At mid and lower elevations, the avalanche danger is generally LOW.
special announcement

With the freedom of the backcountry comes responsibility, and this social responsibility in backcountry avalanche terrain is paramount as backcountry use explodes. Establishing a clear set of expectations in terms of Knowledge, Awareness and Wisdom is imperative to protect ourselves as well as our access to backcountry terrain.

Check out this new video on backcountry responsibility just released by Drew Hardesty and Trent Meisenheimer from the Utah Avalanche Center.
current conditions


It's a mixed bag of spring like conditions out there. Wind and sun have taken their toll on the snow surface in exposed areas. Soft, powder-like snow can be found on sheltered, shady aspects.


Winds, temperature and humidity on Abajo Peak.

Snow totals at Buckboard Flat.

Snow totals at Camp Jackson.
recent activity
weather

Today

A slight chance of snow showers before 2pm, then scattered rain and snow showers between 2pm and 3pm, then scattered snow showers after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 43. Very windy, with a southwest wind 50 to 55 mph increasing to 55 to 60 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 80 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tonight

A 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 8pm. Areas of blowing snow between 8pm and 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Very windy, with a west wind 30 to 40 mph decreasing to 15 to 25 mph. Winds could gust as high as 65 mph.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. Windy, with a southwest wind 20 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 20 mph.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 42. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 29.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 40.
general announcements

Let me know what you are seeing down there by posting an observation here.  You can also call me on my cell phone at 801-647-8896

To receive this advisory by email go here.

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 exist.