Avalanche forecast

Abajos

Utah Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Blowing and drifting snow have created an isolated or MODERATE avalanche danger in steep upper elevation terrain. Look for fresh drifts on the lee sides of ridge crests and terrain features such as sub-ridges or gully walls. Signs of instability include cracking in the snow surface. It may also be possible to trigger an avalanche on a buried persistent weak layer on steep, upper elevation, northerly facing terrain. Most other terrain offers LOW danger.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Winds over the past week have blown around what little snow was available for transport and isolated drifts have formed on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain. Fresh drifts are mostly shallow and shouldn't pose too much of a hazard, but they could sweep you off your feet and carry you over a cliff. Wind drifts are recognizable by their smooth, rounded appearance, and cracking in the snow is a sign of instability. The best practice is to avoid steep slopes with wind drifted snow.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2

    Generally speaking, the mountains have a deep, strong snowpack for this time of year without the typical layer of weak, sugary "faceted" snow at the base. In my travels on Friday, 13 however, I observed two weak layers that have formed in the upper 12"-18" of the snowpack. Though not overly reactive at this time, there is a possibility for triggering an avalanche on one of these buried weak layers on steep slopes facing NW-N-E, especially in areas that have overlying deposits of wind drifted snow. We will want to pay attention to these weak layers as new or wind drifted snow will add additional stress, increasing the likelihood of triggering an avalanche.

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Recent Activity

I'm very sad to report that a 45-year-old man was killed in an avalanche while snowboarding in the backcountry outside of the Canyons Resort in the Wasatch Mountains on Sunday. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends who are so affected by this tragedy. Here is the final report.

Snow and Weather

The story has been the wind and it's been blowing, drifting, and alternately scouring surfaces all week. It's been more than 2 weeks since our last significant snow and the surface is getting tired and worn. Areas with soft settled powder can still be found in sheltered areas, but the snowpack is deteriorating. Dry conditions will continue through the weekend before the first of possibly two troughs track into the region early next week. It's a little far out to say, but it's looking like Christmas could be white.

Dustin Randall from ROAM Industry was up yesterday and reported finding wind slabs that were sensitive to the weight of a skier or rider. Unstable areas of wind drifted snow are our primary avalanche concern at this time.

NWS Weather Forecast.

Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')

Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')

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

Webcam image courtesy of Kevin Dressel.

General Announcements

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.

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