Abajos

Human triggered avalanches involving new and wind drifted snow remain possible. Backcountry travelers should avoid steep, wind drifted slopes. Recent wind drifts are recognizable by their smooth, rounded appearance, and cracking is a sign of instability. On some northerly aspects, thick slabs of wind drifted snow are sitting on top of weak layers in the snowpack increasing the potential for deeper avalanches. Avoiding steep, northerly facing terrain is the best policy right now.

NWS forecast for the Abajo Mountains.

Snow totals and temps at Buckboard Flat (8924')

Snow totals and temps at Camp Jackson (8858')

Snowpack Summary and General Conditions

The Abajos picked up about 15 inches of snow this week accompanied by strong SW winds. This created dangerous avalanche conditions on Wed and Thur. The danger has decreased, but human triggered avalanches remain possible on steep, wind drifted slopes. The greatest danger exists on steep slopes facing NW-N-E-SE but all slopes steeper than 30 degrees that have recent deposits of wind drifted snow are suspect. In some areas, avalanches triggered in the new snow may step down to a buried persistent weak layer causing a deeper and more dangerous avalanche.

If you are getting out in the backcountry, we'd love to hear what you're seeing. Please submit observations here. For the most recent snowpack observations click here. You can also send an email to [email protected] or give me a call with anything noteworthy, especially avalanches! 801-647-8896

This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.