Abajos
Pericolo valanghe
In sintesi
Warm temperatures over the past few days have helped to settle and strengthen the most recent snow. It is still possible to trigger an avalanche on steep, northerly aspects, or anywhere you can detect recent deposits of wind drifted snow. On sun exposed slopes be alert to signs of loose, wet instability such as roller balls or pinwheels, and sloppy, wet snow as the day heats up and stay off of and out from under steep slopes when these signs are present.
Snow and Weather
Another Atmosphieric River event will impact the area from Mon-Thu with periods of very heavy snowfall expected!
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
6" of heavy, wet snow containing more than 1.0-1.5" of water fell at lower elevations on Wednesday with up to 10" likely up high. Under normal temperatures/conditions this would translate to almost double those snow amounts! Warm temperatures over the past few days have helped to settle and strengthen the new snow and winds have been relatively calm. It is still possible to trigger an avalanche on steep, northerly aspects, or anywhere you can detect recent deposits of wind drifted snow. Soft, settled powder can still be found on shady, northerly aspects. Sunny slopes will be crusted over in the morning and may get sloppy as the day heats up. Be alert to signs of loose, wet instability such as roller balls or pinwheels, and sloppy, wet snow, and stay off of and out from under steep slopes when these signs are present.
Additional Info
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
General Announcements
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.