Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Saturday morning, March 7, 2020
The avalanche danger is generally LOW and mostly stable snow conditions exist. Low danger doesn't mean no danger and it may still be possible to trigger an isolated wind drift in steep, upper elevation, wind affected terrain. Even a small avalanche triggered in the wrong area can have devastating consequences.
With daytime heating, we may see some shallow, loose, wet avalanche activity on sun-exposed slopes. Avoid steep slopes if they become wet and sloppy.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements
The UAC's Avy Awareness Auction is currently underway with tons of great gear, jewelry, artwork and experiences available. Visit the auction page here to help support the UAC's spring avalanche awareness and outreach efforts.
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Weather and Snow
Weather: A few high clouds should start streaming in this morning with more clouds moving in later today. We'll continue to see moderate to strong southerly winds with gusts as high as 40 along ridge tops. High temps at 10,000' will be in the low to mid 40's. A slight chance for showers should develop tonight. Tomorrow we'll see mostly cloudy skies and maybe a trace of snow.
Snowpack: Spring-like conditions are in effect with melt-freeze crusts on sun exposed slopes that become moist during the day. Some of these slopes may be supportable in the morning with pre-corn like conditions. Northerly facing, wind exposed terrain is scoured and crusted, while some soft, powdery snow can still be found on sheltered aspects.
Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')
Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Low danger doesn't mean no danger and one should always be aware of the potential for avalanches when traveling in snow-covered mountains.
Always be on the lookout for signs of instability such as whoomphing, collapsing, or cracking in the snow surface. Signs of wet snow instability include roller balls, pinwheels, or small point release wet sluff avalanches.
Carry appropriate rescue gear - beacon, probe, and shovel - and know how to use it.
Practice safe travel techniques by only putting one person on a slope at a time.
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.