Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Sunday morning, April 12, 2020
Most terrain has generally LOW danger. A low probability but high consequence situation still exists for deep and dangerous, human triggered avalanches failing on a buried persistent weak layer on steep slopes facing N-E. In these areas, there is an isolated or MODERATE danger. You are most likely to find this problem in areas with very steep, rocky, radical terrain. Likely trigger points include steep convexities or shallow snowpack areas near rock outcroppings or sub ridges.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements
This will be the last regularly scheduled forecast for the season. I will continue to update the snowpack summary through the end of the month as conditions warrant.
Weather and Snow
Weather: A cold front out of the north will move southeasterly across the region today bringing clouds, cold temperatures, and a slight chance for precipitation this morning. We should see clearing skies later today with blustery NW winds, and high temps barely reaching 30 degrees. We'll remain under a cool, northwest flow through mid-week.
Snowpack: The snowpack is in a transition phase and it's a mixed bag of conditions out there. Corn snow has been developing on SE-S-W aspects, as well as in low angle northerlies that see a lot of direct sunshine. Cold temps over the next several days will put the corn harvest on hold however as the snow isn't likely to soften much. More sheltered, and steeper north-facing terrain is a mix of wind hammered, crusted, and heat-affected snow. In deeper areas, the snowpack is consolidating and has gained strength but there are still shallow areas where faceted snow from February can be found. You are most likely to find this weak snow on northerly aspects in areas of rocky, radical, more extreme terrain. It can also be found on shady aspects at lower elevations where it is extremely susceptible to daytime heating.
Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')
Additional Information
Information on outdoor recreation - The State of Utah created this webpage with information about recreating on both state and federal public lands during the current health crisis.

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.