Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Sunday morning, January 12, 2020
Most terrain offers LOW danger and avalanche conditions are mostly stable. An isolated or MODERATE danger exists on steep, upper elevation slopes that face N-NE-E where it may still be possible to trigger an old, hard wind slab. Suspect areas that have a smooth, rounded look or hollow feel to them. High winds have caused slabs to form down-slope from ridge crests, and special attention should be paid to slopes that have steep convexities or blind break overs. In these same areas, a triggered wind slab may step down into a buried weak layer causing a deeper and more dangerous avalanche.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements
Our non-motorized Backcountry 101 avalanche class has been scheduled for February 15, 16. The cost is $150. The course starts with a 4-hour classroom session the night of the 15th followed by a day in the field. It's a great way to increase your avalanche awareness and backcountry travel skills. Check back for sign up details.
Grooming: The Hart's Draw road has been recently groomed to 70's Flat.
Weather and Snow
Orographic showers from a passing wave produced a trace to 2" of new snow since yesterday afternoon. Skies are mostly clear this morning but clouds should build throughout the day as the next in a series of waves moves through the region. Snow showers should develop this afternoon/evening with 2"-4" possible by tomorrow. SW winds will be on the increase today blowing in the 15-20 mph range with gusts to 30 along ridge tops by this afternoon. By tonight and into tomorrow they should really start cranking with gusts as high as 50 mph. Uggh.
I must say conditions leave something to be desired out there right now with a variety of crusts and wind-blasted surfaces. Creamy settled powder can still be found in the most sheltered recesses. Let's hope we get a little refresh from the next passing wave.
Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')
Wind, temperature, and humidity on Abajo Peak (11,000')
Recent Avalanches
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.