Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Abajo Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Saturday - April 8, 2017 - 7:09am
bottom line

The avalanche danger is mostly LOW, but after two nights without a solid refreeze, we may see an increased likelihood for loose, wet slide activity. Signs of instability include roller balls, pinwheels, or actual loose, wet sluffing. Stay off of steep slopes with sloppy, wet or punchy snow.
current conditions

I can't think of many reasons to go up into the mountains today beyond a fondness for wind. Currently blowing in the 20-30 mph with gusts to 40 along ridge tops, southerly winds will continue to howl ahead of a Pacific storm system tracking through to the north. We did not get a solid re-freeze last night, and snow conditions are a mixed bag of crusty, punchy and wind blasted surfaces.

The snow is going fast in the Abajos and on Friday I took a road tour round the range. South facing slopes are mostly dry ground all the way to the peaks, and many SE and SW aspects are melted out as well. Ribbons of skiable snow remain on east facing aspects above 9000', and north facing snow is hanging in there though conditions are a marginal mixed bag on those slopes. Traiheads are melted out and there is 13" on the ground at Camp Jackson and 22" at Buckboard Flat.

From the east (04/07/17).

From the southeast (04/07/17).

From the southwest (04/07/17

Snow totals, temperature and humidity at Camp Jackson (8858')

Snow totals, temperature and humidity at Buckboard Flat (8924')
recent activity

No recent avalanche activity to report.
weather

Today look for mostly cloudy skies, strong southerly winds and a slight chance for snow. High temperatures at 10,000' will be near 40 degrees.
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.