The avalanche danger is MODERATE today, but blowing and drifting snow continue to create potentially dangerous avalanche conditions on all steep, wind drifted slopes. The danger is greatest on slopes that face NW-N-SE and human triggered avalanches involving buried, persistent weak layers, are also possible in these areas. MODERATE danger does not mean safe, and careful snow stability analysis is required before venturing on to steep, avalanche prone terrain. Avoid slopes with recent deposits of wind drifted snow. With an active weather pattern in store, expect the danger to increase over the next several days!
Human triggered avalanches involving wind drifted snow are possible today primarily on steep slopes facing NW-N-E. Avoid steep slopes with recent deposits of wind drifted snow recognizable by their smooth, rounded appearance. Look for signs of instability such as cracking in the snow surface.
Wind drifted snow has added stress to buried, persistent weak layers in the snowpack. Our primary concern is layer of weak, sugary snow at the base of the snowpack, and human triggered avalanches failing on this weak layer are possible today. The danger is greatest on steep, mid and upper elevation slopes facing NW-N-E, but in some areas the problem wraps around to W and SE facing slopes.
I'm sorry to report more sad news from the backcountry. On Saturday, a 49 year old man was killed in an avalanche accident on the west side of Humpy Peak in the East Fork of the Chalk Creek drainage while riding with his son and a friend. That makes four avalanche fatltities this month.
Or deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of the victims.
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.
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.
