Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Friday morning, January 22, 2021
You can still trigger an avalanche on steep, upper elevation northerly facing slopes that have enough snow to ski or ride. These areas are far and few between and the avalanche danger remains MODERATE. The current snowpack structure is very weak and the danger will quickly increase with any significant snow load. Look for rising danger over the next several days. Most south-facing slopes are bare and therefore have LOW to no avalanche danger.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements
Do you have the essential avalanche rescue gear (transceiver, probe, and shovel) and do you know how to use them? Watch this video to see how the three pieces of equipment work together.
Weather and Snow
Skies are cloudy, SW winds are light to moderate, and mountain temps are in the low to mid 20's. An eagerly anticipated storm system along the Pacific coast will move inland today and should start affecting our area by late this afternoon. I'm afraid this isn't going to be the big one but we'll take whatever we can get. We should see snow showers tonight that taper off by mid-morning tomorrow. 4"-8" are possible. A secondary low-pressure system will keep a chance for lingering showers into Sunday. By Monday night, the next cut-off low will move into the region bringing us our next shot for snow. Keep your fingers crossed for a continuation of the pattern!
Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')
Snowpack Discussion
The meager snowpack has deteriorated into a pile of mostly weak, sugary, facets and it won't take much of a load to create dangerous avalanche condiitons. Snow cover ranges from about 12"-24" Winds have wreaked havoc on exposed terrain and most south-facing slopes are bare.
Additional Information
Information on outdoor recreation - The State of Utah created this webpage with information about recreating on both state and federal public lands during the current health crisis.

New to the backcountry (including riding at closed resorts) - Watch the award-winning, 15 minute Know Before You Go video, or take the 5-part, free online-learning series.
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.