Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Tuesday morning, March 31, 2020
Recent snow and southerly winds have formed fresh drifts on upper elevation, northerly aspects and the avalanche danger is MODERATE on steep, wind drifted slopes. Wind drifts are recognizable by their smooth rounded appearance, and cracking is a sign of instability. On these same slopes an isolated possibility exists for an avalanche to fail on a buried persistent weak layer of loose, sugary, faceted snow. And finally, with a strong sun and warm temperatures, the danger will rise for loose, wet avalanches on sun-exposed slopes. Look for signs of instability such as pinwheels and point release sluffs, and get off of and out from under steep slopes that become wet and sloppy.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Weather and Snow
Weather: No new snow fell in the mountains yesterday and NW winds were mostly light. Winds shifted to the SW overnight and bumped up into the 15-20 mph range. Today look for sunny skies and very warm temperatures with highs reaching up into the mid 40's. Wednesday will also be sunny and warm with increasing southwesterly winds. A Pacific low will produce clouds and a chance for snow on Thursday though most of the energy will be to the north.
Snowpack: Friday's storm has once again freshened up conditions but southerly winds yesterday blew and drifted the most recent snow. Fresh wind drifts will be found on leeward slopes, primarily at upper elevations. Deeper in the snowpack, a layer of weak, sugary, faceted snow exists. In isolated areas, a triggered wind drift could step down to this buried weak layer causing a deeper and more dangerous avalanche.
Kevin Dressel photo.
Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')
Additional Information
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.