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Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Monday morning, April 1, 2024
A few inches of new snow and strong southwest winds have increased the likelihood for human triggered avalanches involving slabs of wind drifted snow. Wind slabs form on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features such as gully walls and sub ridges. They are often recognizable by their smooth, rounded appearance and cracking is a sign of instability. Avoid steep slopes that have recent deposits of wind drifted snow.
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Weather and Snow
Weather
Unsettled weather remains over the region today as the southern low pressure system responsible for yesterday's snowfall begins to slowly move eastward from Southern California. Today we should see partly sunny skies with a slight chance for afternoon snow showers. SW winds will average 15-20 mph along ridge tops and high temps at 10,000' will be near 30 degrees. By tonight, winds shift to the NW bumping up into the 20-25 mph range. Tuesday should be sunny with continued breezy NW winds. High pressure lasts through Thursday with another storm lining up for next weekend.
General Conditions:
Camp Jackson and Buckboard SNOTEL sites are reporting 3" of new snow from Sunday's storm event. This could translate to as much as 6" up high. With strong, SW winds, this is enough to elevate the danger for human triggered avalanches involving slabs of wind drifted snow. Look for wind slabs, up to a foot deep, on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features such as gully walls and sub-ridges. Fresh drifts are often recognizable by their smooth, rounded appearance and cracking is a sign of instability. Avoid steep slopes that have recent deposits of wind drifted snow.
NWS forecast for the Abajo Mountains.
Snow totals and temps at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snow totals and temps at Camp Jackson (8858')
General Announcements
This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.