Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Abajo Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Tuesday - January 31, 2017 - 7:26am
bottom line

Today there is a MODERATE avalanche danger for triggering wind slabs old and new on all aspects in steep, upper elevation, wind exposed terrain. There is also an isolated MODERATE danger for triggering a deeper, persistent slab avalanche on slopes steeper than 35 degrees, at mid and upper elevations on slopes facing NW-E-SE. And finally, with daytime heating, a MODERATE danger exists for loose, wet slide activity on sun exposed slopes.
special announcement

The Abajo/Blue Mountain avalanche advisory will provide detailed information on the weekends. During the week, general information and a danger rating will be posted.

Backcountry 101 Avalanche Class

We will be offering a Backcountry 101 avalanche class on Feb 3, 4. This course will include a night classroom session and a day in the field. Cost is $125 with proceeds to benefit the Utah Avalanche Center Moab. For more information or to sign up go here.
current conditions

The January thaw is here and the snow surface is getting a bit tired and worn from the wind and sun. Seek out sheltered locations for the best snow conditions. Sun exposed slopes are getting cooked each day, and slopes with breakable crusts will become more widespread as the week progresses. Overall snow depth now ranges from 2-4' across the range.

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

You may still find a few wind slabs lurking about in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain. Look for smooth, rounded pillows of wind deposited snow on the lee sides of ridge crests and terrain features such as gully walls, sub-ridges and rock buttresses, and avoid them in areas of steep terrain.
Avalanche Problem 2
type aspect/elevation characteristics
LIKELIHOOD
LIKELY
UNLIKELY
SIZE
LARGE
SMALL
TREND
INCREASING DANGER
SAME
DECREASING DANGER
over the next 24 hours
description

Heavy snowfall and wind loading last weekend increased the stress on buried weak layers and several slides broke down into older snow. The snowpack has begun to adjust to this new load, but steep terrain should still be approached with caution. Upper-mid elevation, northerly facing aspects are the most suspect, particularly in areas of steep, rocky, heavily featured terrain.
Avalanche Problem 3
type aspect/elevation characteristics
LIKELIHOOD
LIKELY
UNLIKELY
SIZE
LARGE
SMALL
TREND
INCREASING DANGER
SAME
DECREASING DANGER
over the next 12 hours
description

With daytime heating we may see some loose, wet slide activity on sun exposed slopes. I don't see these packing much of a punch, but it's good to be aware of signs of instability such as roller balls, and sloppy wet snow, and good practice to stay off of steep slopes when these signs are present.
weather

High pressure is building over the region and temperatures should gradually warm over the next few days. The long range shows a hint at precipitation by late next week.
general announcements

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The information in this advisory is from the US Forest Service which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.