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Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Friday morning, February 19, 2021
The avalanche danger remains CONSIDERABLE on steep slopes on all aspects at upper elevations, and on slopes facing W-NE-SE at mid-elevations. Blowing and drifting snow has added additional stress to buried persistent weak layers and deep and dangerous human-triggered avalanches up to 4' deep remain likely. The avalanche danger is MODERATE on mid and lower elevations slopes facing S-W and human-triggered avalanches remain possible in these areas.
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Special Announcements
Weather and Snow
3"-5" of low-density snow has fallen since Monday bringing totals since last weekend up to between 12" and 16". Skies are clear this morning and WNW winds are mostly light. A weak disturbance on a NW flow is currently passing by to the north. A similar system will move through on Saturday. We shouldn't see much out of this beyond clouds, an increase in winds, and a slight chance for snow. Sunday and Monday look to be sunny and dry with long-range models not currently showing much on the horizon.
Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')
Snowpack Discussion
I haven't been down in a while but snow last weekend and early this week has added a significant load on top of buried persistent weak layers of loose, sugary, faceted snow. Reports from Monday were of widespread collapsing and whumphing, sure red flag signs of instability. Deep and dangerous, human-triggered avalanches remain likely especially on steep slopes facing the north half of the compass. I'll be down today to have a good look around.
Recent Avalanches
Brian Murdock reported this avalanche on Horse Head Mountain on Monday. It likely ran naturally sometime during the storm last weekend.
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.
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