Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Abajo Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Tuesday - March 29, 2016 - 7:22am
bottom line

The avalanche danger is generally LOW this morning but could rise to MODERATE later in the day as winds and new snow increase the danger for wind slab development in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain. Be on the lookout for drifts of recently deposited snow on the lee sides of ridge crests and terrain features such as sub ridges, and gully walls on steep slopes that face NW--N-SE as the day progresses.




special announcement

The Abajo / Blue Mountain advisory provides detailed snow, mountain weather, and avalanche information on weekends. During the week, an overall danger rating will be provided with current condition information available through the weather links below.


current conditions

ESE winds are blowing in the 30-50 mph range on Abajo Peak this morning. No new snow fell over night, and the snowpack continues to dwindle. There is currently 27" on the ground at Buckboard flat and only 15" at Camp Jackson. South facing slopes are mostly melted out but there is still 3-4' of snow on the ground on upper elevation, northerly facing aspects. It's 33 degrees at Buckboard Flat and 27 on Abajo Peak.

Winds, temperature and humidity on Abajo Peak.

Snow totals at Buckboard Flat.

Snow totals at Camp Jackson.

recent activity

weather

Today

Snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. High near 26. Windy, with a south southwest wind 30 to 35 mph decreasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Tonight

Snow showers likely, mainly before 11pm. Cloudy, with a low around 13. Breezy, with a west southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Wednesday

A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. West southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Wednesday Night

A 40 percent chance of snow showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. Blustery, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Thursday

A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 29. Blustery, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Thursday Night

A 10 percent chance of snow showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Blustery.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 34.

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.