Avalanche forecast

Abajos

Utah Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger is MODERATE on steep, upper elevation terrain that face NW-N-E. In these areas, old snow from October has deteriorated into layers of weak, sugary, faceted snow that is providing an unstable base for last weekend's snow load. In most other areas, the new snow fell on bare ground and the avalanche danger is LOW. Low snow conditions are in effect and backcountry travelers need to exercise caution in avoiding buried obstacles such as rocks and deadfall.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Unfortunately, those slopes that have the most snow, are also the ones that are the most suspect for avalanche problems. Snow that has sat around since October has deteriorated into a weak base of loose, sugary, faceted snow. You can find this weak snow on mid and upper elevation slopes that face NW-N-W. The photo below illustrates the most recent snow, separated from the old by a melt freeze crust. Persistent weak layers of loose, sugary, faceted snow exist above, and below the crust. This is an unstable base, and human triggered avalanches, breaking down into these weak layers are possible on steep slopes wherever old snow has been sitting around since October.

Special Announcement

L'll be giving a free Know Before You Go avalanche awareness presentation Thursday, Dec 13, at 6:00 pm at the Grand County Library. Hope to see you there!

Also, check out the new free online avalanche course series developed by the Utah Avalanche Center. This is a great way to refresh your skills or prepare you for a Backcountry 101 or Level 1 class.

Snow and Weather

Skies are mostly clear, southwesterly winds are on the increase blowing in the 20-30 mph range on Abajo, and 10,000' temps are in the low 20's. A fast moving storm system will blow through to the north today binging us increasing clouds by this afternoon and a slight chance of snow. Blustery SW winds will average 15-20 mph with gusts as high as 40. High temps will be in the low 20's. High pressure returns for the weekend with models diverging on the next system that is expected to impact the region Monday-Tuesday. Long term forecasts currently show a ridge building over the desert southwest by late next week.

I took a trip up to North Creek Pass last Friday, and was happy to see the snow. Last weekend's storm cycle brought 12"-16" to the high country. Things are still thin for recreation off of the road. The new snow fell on bare ground on all but upper elevation, northerly aspects where about 18" of snow from October remained.

Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')

Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')

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

National Weather Service point forecast.

Regions covered