Abajos

The avalanche danger is HIGH in the Abajo mountains. Heavy snow and strong winds have created very dangerous avalanche conditions in the backcountry. Natural and human triggered avalanches are very likely today. Backcountry travelers should avoid all avalanche terrain today. This means staying off of slopes steeper than 30 degrees, and being sure there are no steep slopes above you.

Taylor Martin sent in this report of a natural avalanche on Horse Head Mountain yesterday. He estimated it to be 2' deep and 250' wide.

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

20" of dense, heavy snow, containing over 4" of water have fallen have since Sunday night accompanied by strong SW winds creating dangerous avalanche conditions in the Abajo Mountains. Travel advice is to avoid all avalanche terrain. This means staying off of and out from under slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

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.