Abajos

Heavy snowfall and strong winds have created dangerous avalanche conditions. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE and human triggered avalanches are likely. Avoid steep, avalanche-prone slopes today. Backcountry travelers need to possess excellent route finding and snow stability analysis skills. Stick to low angle terrain and meadows, and stay out from under run out zones.

A snowmobiler triggered a large avalanche in the Abajos on Thursday. Details are scant at this time but he apparently took a ride and deployed his airbag. This photo just shows a small portion of the slide.

Another 12" of snow has fallen at Camp Jackson and Buckboard Snotel sites with likely up to 18" at higher elevations. This translates to 2'-3' since Christmas Eve. SE winds yesterday cranked in the 25-30 mph range with gusts in the 40's before abruptly dropping off and shifting to the SW yesterday afternoon. Overnight they shifted to the WNW, barely blowing in the single digits.

Today look for lingering snow showers under mostly cloudy skies. 1"-3" are possible. WNW winds will be on the increase reaching 20-30 mph along ridge tops by this afternoon. Daytime highs will be in the low teens with a wind chill factor of -15. Dry and cold NW flow will persist into mid-week.

NWS Weather Forecast.

Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')

Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')

Wind, temperature, and humidity on Abajo Peak (11,000')

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.