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Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Friday morning, March 20, 2020
The avalanche danger remains CONSIDERABLE on steep slopes facing NW-N-E where human triggered avalanches involving new and wind drifted snow are likely. In these same areas, human triggered avalanches failing on a buried persistent weak layer of loose, sugary, faceted snow are also likely. On all other aspects, the danger is MODERATE for avalanches involving the most recent storm snow. Backcountry travelers need to have excellent route finding skills today. Stick to low angle, wind-sheltered terrain.
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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
Snow totals from yesterday's storm came in at 7"-10" with likely higher amounts at upper elevations. SW winds steadily decreased yesterday before switching to the SE around midnight. Today look for mostly cloudy skies and a chance for a few inches of snow from convective showers. Southerly ridgetop winds will average 15-20 mph, and high temps will be in the upper 20's. Unsettled weather continues through tomorrow with what looks like another 2"-4" possible by afternoon. Brief ridging moves in making for mostly sunny skies on Sunday before the next low-pressure system moves into the region on Monday.
Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')
Recent Avalanches
I received this report of a natural avalanche on Horsehead Mountain yesterday. It was reported as 100' wide on a steep, NE aspect around 11,000'. I don't have many details beyond that. I suspect this slide was storm slab avalanche involving the most recent snow, but it's possible that it could have stepped down into looser, weak, faceted snow that has been developing over the past several weeks.
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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