Abajos

An isolated or MODERATE avalanche danger still exists on steep, upper elevation, wind drifted slopes that face the north half of the compass. On these same slopes an isolated possibility exists for an avalanche to fail on a buried persistent weak layer of loose, sugary, faceted snow. With a strong sun and warm temperatures today, look for an increasing danger for loose, wet avalanches on sun-exposed slopes. Look for signs of instability such as pinwheels and point release sluffs, and get off of and out from under steep slopes that become wet and sloppy.

Spring Awareness Campaign - Help us save lives through avalanche forecasts and education. Consider making a donation before April 8th.

Information on outdoor recreation - The State of Utah created this webpage with information about recreating on both state and federal public lands during the current health crisis.

January 5, 2019 - Read this collection of 6 stories and a podcast about that day with a low avalanche danger, 8 skier triggered avalanches, four catch and carries...a partial and critical burial, and a trip to the emergency room.

Weather: Yesterday was warm and sunny along with our constant companion - SW winds. They averaged 20 mph for most of the day with gusts as high as 35. They'll blow similarly today. A shortwave trough and associated cold front will move through the area this morning bringing some clouds and a chance for snow showers with no real accumulation expected. We should see mostly sunny skies later in the day with high temps in the mid 30's. Another weak wave should begin to produce clouds late Friday followed by a dry and mostly sunny weekend. For next week, we'll have our eye on another Pacific low sliding down the west coast.

Snowpack: A mixed bag of spring conditions are in effect. Isolated, unstable areas of wind drifted snow may still exist on upper elevation, northerly facing slopes. Deeper in the snowpack, a layer of weak, sugary, faceted snow exists. In isolated areas, a triggered wind drift could step down to this buried weak layer causing a deeper and more dangerous avalanche.

Kevin Dressel photo.

NWS Weather Forecast.

Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')

Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')

New to the backcountry (including riding at closed resorts) - Watch the award-winning, 15 minute Know Before You Go video, or take the 5-part, free online-learning series.

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