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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago.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

Look for a rising avalanche danger today. Blowing and drifting snow will create an increasing MODERATE avalanche danger. Look for fresh deposits of wind drifted snow on the lee sides of ridge crests and terrain features, primarily in upper elevation terrain that faces the north half of the compass. Cracking in the snow surface is a sign of instability. Avoid steep slopes that have about 6" or more of wind drifted snow. If snow totals come in on the upper end of the forecast, the danger could reach CONSIDERABLE sometime tonight. Be alert to changing conditions and anticipate a rise in danger.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Fresh snow combined with moderate to strong southerly winds will create fresh drifts sensitive to the weight of a skier or rider today. Look for recent deposits of wind drifted snow on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features on slopes facing the north half of the compass. Initially, new drifts shouldn't pose too much of a problem, but they will become deeper and more widespread as new snow accumulates. Cracking in the snow surface is a sign of instability. Beware of smooth, pillowy, fresh deposits of wind drifted snow, and avoid steep slopes where they are more than about 6" deep.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2

    Weak layers have been observed developing within the snowpack over the past week to 10 days. I'm uncertain to what extent the new snow will affect them. My inclination is that there is the likelihood for wind drifted snow to affect weak layers in the upper portion of the snowpack. That said, travel advice remains the same - steep wind drfited slopes should be avoided. A triggered wind drift has the potential to step down into a buried weak layer.

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Snow and Weather

Snow began to fall just after midnight and Buckboard Snotel is reporting 3" of new snow this morning. SE winds have cranked overnight blowing in the 25-30 mph range with gusts in the 40's. Look for periods of snow today with 4"-8" possible. South winds will blow 15-20 mph with gusts to 30. High temps will be in the upper 20's. Snowfall should continue tonight with another 3"-7" possible.

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')

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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