Abajos

Heavy snowfall and strong winds have created dangerous avalanche conditions!

Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Avoid being on or under slopes steeper than 30 degrees. This means avoiding all avalanche paths and runout zones.

The Abajo Mountains have picked up a big shot of much needed snow with almost 2 feet falling at Camp Jackon and over a foot in lower North Creek on 2/13 and 2/14. The heavy snowfall was accompanied by strong southwest winds. You are likely to trigger avalanches on any slope that held snow before this storm. This pre-existing snow is faceted and weak, and is overburdened by the load of new snow. This weak snow is generally found on slopes facing the north side of the compass, but if you don't know, don't go. Additionally, slabs of wind-drifted snow will be found on the lee-side of ridgelines. These drifts will be sensitive to the weight of a human. Avalanche terrain should definitely be avoided today. This means staying off of and out from under slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Avoid avalanche paths and run-out zones.

Use these links for current conditions.

NWS forecast for the Abajo Mountains.

Snow totals and temps at Buckboard Flat (8924')

Snow totals and temps at Camp Jackson (8858')

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.