Abajos

Anticiapte a rising avalanche danger as accumulating snow and strong winds increase the likelihood for human triggered avalanches involving slabs of wind drifted snow. Wind slabs form on the leewaard sides of ridge crests and terrain features such as gully walls and sub ridges. They are often recognizable by their smooth, rounded appearance and cracking is a sign of instability. Seek sheltered, low angle terrain for the safest and best riding today.

Weather

Southerly winds have yet again been on the increase. They'll continue to howl today, blowing in the 30-40 mph range with gusts to 50 along ridge tops. Snowfall should start sometime this morning and continue throughout the day with 4"-8" possible. Winds will finally start to back off tonight. Look for partly sunny skies on Monday with a slight chance for snow showers in the afternoon. High pressure builds mid-week.

General Conditions:

March conditions are in full effect and you can find a little bit of everything out there right now including varying degrees of breakable wind and sun crust to soft, settled powder on sheltered, northerly aspects. Strong winds today will continue to blow and drift snow. Be alert to changing conditions, and expect a rising danger as snow accumulates and new drifts form.

NWS forecast for the Abajo Mountains.

Snow totals and temps at Buckboard Flat (8924')

Snow totals and temps at Camp Jackson (8858')

This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.