Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Abajo Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Saturday - February 18, 2017 - 7:03am
bottom line

I don't expect forecasted snow totals to increase the avalanche danger very much today and the danger is generally LOW. We could see a rise to MODERATE danger later in the day if more than forecasted totals of 2"-4" accumulate. Steep slopes that face W-N-E will be most affected. Be be alert to changing conditions. Suspect smooth, rounded deposits of wind drifted snow and look for signs of instability such as cracking in the snow surface.




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.

current conditions

Light to moderate westerly winds are blowing long the ridge tops and it's currently 20 degrees on Abajo Peak. In my travels yesterday I found a mixed bag of conditions, with stout, melt freeze crusts on all aspects at lower elevations. Though the overall snowpack is still registering around 140% of normal, south facing slopes have taken a hit the past couple of weeks,and many of them are showing grass and bare spots. Overall snow depth ranges from about 24" at Dalton Springs to 48" up high.

weather

Today

Snow before 1pm, then rain and snow. Widespread blowing snow before noon. High near 35. Breezy, with a south wind 20 to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Tonight

Snow. Widespread blowing snow, mainly between 7pm and 4am. Low around 26. Breezy, with a south wind around 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Sunday

Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Areas of blowing snow. High near 31. South wind around 15 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.
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.