Abajos

Blowing and drifting snow have created a MODERATE avalanche danger and human triggered avalanches are possible on steep, wind drifted slopes. Most drifting has occurred on slopes facing the north side of the compass, but with the strong and gusty nature of the winds, you may find areas of unstable wind drifted snow on all aspects. On most south-facing terrain you will find a MODERATE to LOW avalanche danger. Wind drifts are recognizable by their smooth, rounded, or rippled appearance, and cracking is a sign of instability. Avoid steep, wind drifted slopes with recent deposits of wind drifted snow.

Are you looking to improve your avalanche skills? We are offering a Backcountry 101: Introduction to Avalanches class on February 15-16 in Moab. Click here to register. A huge thanks to Moab Gear Trader for sponsoring this course. Please visit them for all your winter backcountry needs.

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Weather: The mountains picked up around 3" of new snow at 9000' with possibly a couple more up high. Strong southerly winds blew most of the day yesterday averaging 40 mph with gusts in the low 60's until they slowly started to back off around noon. By evening they had shifted to the NW becoming calm around midnight. Under sunny skies, it's going to be frigid up there today with light to moderate northerly winds, and a high temperature of 10 degrees. The next system to affect the region will move in Wed-Thu but it looks to be on a more northerly track.

NWS Weather Forecast.

Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')

Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')

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.