Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Monday morning, March 9, 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.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
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.
A new version of the UAC IOS application is now available on the Apple App Store. This version fixes many of the issues that occur when running IOS 13.
Weather and Snow
Weather: Southwesterly winds backed off a bit overnight into the 10-15 mph range where they'll remain today. Skies will be partly sunny and high temps will reach the mid 30's. Unsettled weather through the week will keep the mountains under mostly cloudy skies with a chance for snow on Wednesday, and then hopefully a better chance on Friday when a low-pressure system off the Southern California coast will move into the desert Southwest. The actual track is uncertain and models are showing disagreement at this time. It could stay south of us or we could get some snow. Stay tuned.
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.