The avalanche danger is MODERATE today for human triggered avalanches involving wind drifted snow. Look for deposits of wind drifted snow on all aspects at upper elevations. On wind drifted slopes that face N-NE-E there is also an isolated possibility for avalanches to step down 2'-3' deep into buried, persistent weak layers of loose, sugary, faceted snow. Areas with steep, rocky, and more radical terrain are the most suspect for this type of avalanche. Most other terrain has generally LOW danger.
Winds have been all over the place this week at the highest elevations, so you may find unstable deposits of wind drifted snow on all aspects along upper elevation ridge crests and terrain features. Cracking in the snow surface is a sign of instability. Look for smooth, rounded deposits, or "pillows" of wind drifted snow and avoid steep slopes where they are present.
On upper elevation, northerly aspects, snow has been sitting around on the ground since October. This has formed a persistent weak layer of loose, sugary, faceted snow that makes an unstable base for new snow on top. In some areas it may be possible to trigger an avalanche 2'-3" deep down to these weak, sugary snow. Areas of steep, radical, and wind loaded terrain that faces the north half of the compass are where you are most likely to encounter this problem.
Your information can save lives. If you see anything we should know about, please help us out by submitting snow and avalanche observations HERE. You can also call me at 801-647-8896, or send me an email: [email protected].
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This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
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Skies are clear, northwesterly ridge top winds are 10 -15 mph, and 10,000' temperatures are near 20 degrees. The last day of 2019 should be gorgeous for most of the day before clouds move in ahead of the next storm system. Today look for mostly sunny skies, light to moderate NW winds, and high temperatures in the low 20's. Snowfall should start after 10:00 pm tonight and continue into Monday. Up to 6" are possible.
Dustin Randall from ROAM Industry has been up around North Creek Pass the past two days. He reports finding up to 6" of fresh snow with an overall base depth of 2.5' - 3' on sheltered northerly aspects.
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.
Conditions are starting to look a lot better up there! Photo courtesy of Dustin Randall.
