Abajos

Heavy snowfall has created a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger, and human triggered avalanches are likely on steep, wind drifted slopes that face W-N-E. Wind drifts are recognizable by their smooth, rounded appearance and cracking is a sign of instability. Avoid steep slopes with recent deposits of wind drifted snow. Human triggered avalanches within the storm snow are also possible and the danger is MODERATE on steep slopes on all aspects. Storm snow avalanches can either come in the form of loose sluffs, or cohesive soft slabs. And finally, a triggered wind drift, or storm snow avalanche may have the potential to step down into a buried, persistent weak layer causing a deeper and more dangerous avalanche. Be conservative in your terrain selection today and allow the new snow to settle in and adjust.

The Abajo Mountains came out as the big winners from the Christmas Eve storm with 20" falling at Camp Jackson. Expect to find more than 2' of new snow in the high country. SE winds during much of the storm blew in the 20-25 mph range with gusts near 40. They swung around to the SW and tapered off some early yesterday morning where they hung in the 15-25 mph range for most of the day. This morning they are generally light.

Today look for decreasing clouds with skies becoming partly to mostly sunny. South winds will be light and high temps will be in the low to mid 20's. Clouds will build again tonight as a closed low over Baja moves into the 4 Corners bringing us another shot at a few inches of snow on Friday. Drier air on a NW flow will keep us under mostly cloudy skies for the weekend. A progressive weather pattern remains in place for the extended period.

It goes without saying that the new snow is greatly welcomed and today will be an excellent day for riding and turning. Be advised that many obstacles will be freshly covered by the new snow - proceed cautiously into rocky and wooded areas.

Webcam image courtesy of Kevin Dressel.

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.