Abajos

Human triggered avalanches remain possible on steep, wind drifted slopes at mid and upper elevations. On steep slopes with a northerly aspect, a triggered slab in the wind drifted snow may step down to a buried persistent weak layer causing a deeper and more dangerous avalanche. Avoid, steep, wind drifted slopes and thinner snowpack areas with very steep, radical terrain.

NWS Forecast for the Abajo Mountains

Snow totals and temps at Buckboard Flat (8924')

Snow totals and temps at Camp Jackson (8858')

Snowpack Summary and General Conditions

The Abajo Mountains are white with a snowpack exceeding 200% for this time of year. Camp Jackson has over 5' of snow on the ground with much more at upper elevations around North Creek and Cooley Pass. Generally speaking, the snowpack has gained a lot of strength and the November persistent weak layer is now buried far below the surface. This weak layer cannot be completely discounted however, especially on steep northerly facing slopes and in thinner snowpack areas where it can be more easily affected by the weight of a skier or rider. Wind loaded slopes also remain a concern. Wind drifts are recognizable by their smooth, rounded appearance, and cracking is a sign of instability. In some areas, a triggered wind slab may step down to the buried persistent weak layer causing a deeper and more dangerous avalanche. Continue to avoid steep, wind drifted slopes.

Brody Levin was up in the mountains the past couple of days and he reported great coverage with good settlement and an overall strengthening snowpack. Winds have been actively blowing and drifting snow while alternately scouring exposed surfaces. He also noticed weakening surface snow in sheltered areas.

Excellent coverage exists in the Abajos. Brody Levin photo.

The snow surface has been wind affected in exposed areas. Leeward slopes are wind loaded with fresh drifts while exposed windward slopes are sculpted and crusted.

If you are getting out in the backcountry, we'd love to hear what you're seeing. Please submit observations here. For the most recent snowpack observations click here. You can also send an email to [email protected] or give me a call with anything noteworthy, especially avalanches! 801-647-8896

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.