Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Monday morning, March 4, 2019
The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE and human triggered avalanches involving new and wind drifted snow are likely. Avalanches within the new snow are likely on steep slopes on all aspects at upper elevations. Fresh deposits of wind drifted snow will mostly be found on the leeward sides of upper elevation ridge crests and terrain features on slopes facing NW-N-SE. There also remains an isolated, or MODERATE danger for human triggered avalanches involving a buried, persistent weak layer. You are most likely to encounter this problem on steep, rocky, northerly facing slopes, or in areas with a shallower snowpack. And finally, as the day heats up, avoid steep slopes that become wet and sloppy.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements
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Weather and Snow
6"-10" of snow has fallen in the Abajos with up to a foot of snow up high. WNW winds are relatively light this morning averaging 15 mph along ridge tops, and 10,000' temps are around 20 degrees. Look for mostly cloudy skies today with a lingering possibility for a trace of snow. WNW winds will be in the increase averaging 20 mph with gusts to 30. High temps will be in the low 20's. We'll see a break, and possibly even some sunny skies on Tuesday before the next system moves in on Wednesday.
Today, human triggered avalanches within the new snow will be possible on all aspects. The danger will increase with elevation. Also be on the lookout for fresh wind drifts on lee sides of northerly facing ridge crests at upper elevations. Older, hard wind slabs may also still be sensitive to the weight of a rider.
Snotel totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snotel totals at Camp Jackson (8858')
Wind, temperature, and humidity on Abajo Peak (11,000')
National Weather Service point forecast.
Additional Information
Carry appropriate rescue gear: beacon, probe, shovel, and choose where you ride based on the avalanche forecast for the day!
General Announcements
Your information can save lives. If you see anything we should know about, please help us out by submitting snow and avalanche observations HERE. You can also call me at 801-647-8896, or send me an email: eric@utahavalanchecenter.org.
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This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.