Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Tuesday morning, March 17, 2020
Blowing and drifting snow have created isolated wind slabs on upper elevation slopes facing NW-N-E. In these areas, there is a MODERATE danger for human triggered avalanches involving recent deposits of wind drifted snow. Most other terrain has LOW danger. With warming temps today we may see some loose wet activity on steep, sun-exposed slopes. Be alert to signs of instability such as roller balls and pinwheels, and stay off of steep slopes that become wet and sloppy.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements
We know there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the Coronavirus, but the Utah Avalanche Center is planning to continue issuing regular avalanche forecasts into April.
Weather and Snow
Mid to high-level clouds have moved in this morning but we should see some partial clearing later in the day. SE winds will continue to blow in the 20-30 mph range with gusts as high as 40. Daytime temps will be in the upper 30's. Tomorrow, look for mostly cloudy skies with a chance for afternoon snow showers as we begin to feel the effects of a Pacific low tracking through the 4 Corners. 1"-2" possible. Snow should continue Wed night into Thu with 4"-8" possible.
2"-4" of snow fell on Friday accompanied by strong southerly winds. I've been receiving reports of shallow cracking and wind drifting along upper elevation ridge crests. The snowpack is otherwise a mixed bag of surface conditions with crusts of varying strengths and thicknesses with some loose, sugary snow developing in shallow, shady, wooded areas.
Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')
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.