Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Abajo Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Saturday - April 9, 2016 - 7:21am
bottom line

The avalanche danger is generally LOW today.
special announcement

This is our last weekend for scheduled advisories. Thanks to everyone who supported the program this season!
current conditions

Skies are cloudy this morning, southwest ridgetop winds are blowing in the 10-15 mph range, and temps range from 35 degrees at Buckboard Flat to 26 on Abajo Peak. The snow surface should be well frozen over this morning, and with continued clouds and a chance of snow in the forecast, it isn't likely to soften much. I'm afraid it's going to be kind of rough out there today.

Winds, temperature and humidity on Abajo Peak.

Snow totals at Buckboard Flat.

Snow totals at Camp Jackson.
recent activity
Avalanche Problem 1
type aspect/elevation characteristics
LIKELIHOOD
LIKELY
UNLIKELY
SIZE
LARGE
SMALL
TREND
INCREASING DANGER
SAME
DECREASING DANGER
over the next 24 hours
description

The avalanche danger is generally LOW. We may see a couple inches of snow during the day, but I don't see it affecting the avalanche danger unless we get significantly more than forecasted. At lower elevations, things may warm up enough to where there will be a slight chance for loose, wet slides, but under mostly cloudy skies, that danger seems remote. Perhaps the greatest danger, though very isolated, will come from cornice fall. Cornices have grown quite large in a few locations. Give them a very wide berth if you are traveling along ridge crests where they are present.
weather

The first in a series of weak systems moving through the desert southwest will affect our area today bringing clouds, scattered snow showers and perhaps an inch of snow. Expect a repeat performance on Sunday with a continued unsettled pattern through next week.

Today

Snow showers likely, mainly between noon and 4pm. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Total daytime snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Tonight

A chance of snow showers before midnight, then a slight chance of snow showers after 5am. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday

A 50 percent chance of snow showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. South southwest wind around 10 mph. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Sunday Night

A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Southwest wind around 10 mph becoming north after midnight. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Monday

A 50 percent chance of snow showers, mainly after noon. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
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.