Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Issued by Chris Benson on
Tuesday morning, March 16, 2021
The avalanche danger is MODERATE on steep, wind-drifted slopes at upper elevations and human-triggered avalanches are possible. Avoid steep slopes where you can detect recent deposits of wind drifted snow. On slopes facing the north half of the compass, last weekend's snow may have added enough of a load for avalanches to fail down to a buried persistent weak layer causing a deeper and more dangerous avalanche. On W-S-E aspects below treeline, the avalanche danger is LOW.
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Special Announcements
Weather and Snow
Today look for cloudy skies with 3-5" of snow possible as a fast-moving closed low passes through. Thunder-snow and graupel are a possibility. SE winds 10-20 mph will switch to the west in the afternoon. High temps at 10,000' will be near 30F. Conditions dry out and warm up for the remainder of the week with another chance of unsettled weather for the upcoming weekend.
Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')
Snowpack Discussion
Snow totals varied across the range with what appears to be 5"-10" with about 1.4" of snow-water-equivalent. Strong NW winds on Sunday have blown and drifted the new snow, especially in exposed terrain at upper elevations and steep, wind drifted slopes should be avoided. Look for wind drifts on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features such as gully walls and sub ridges. Drifts are recognizable by their smooth, rounded appearance and cracking is a sign of instability. On steep, wind-loaded, northerly aspects, it may still be possible to trigger a deeper avalanche failing on a buried persistent weak layer of sugary, faceted snow.
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.