Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Sunday morning, January 19, 2020
The avalanche danger is MODERATE at mid and upper elevations on steep, wind drifted slopes that face NW-N-SE. Look for shallow drifts in the most recent snow that could become problematic if more than about 6" deep. In some cases, fresh drifts cover older wind slabs that formed earlier in the week. The danger is generally isolated and spotty, with drifted areas existing between heavily scoured surfaces. Suspect slopes that have a smooth, rounded appearance or that feel and sound hollow like a drum. Non-wind loaded slopes have generally LOW danger.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements
We are very sad to report an avalanche fatality that happened on Saturday, January 18 above Farmington Canyon. An 18-year-old, male snowmobiler was caught, fully buried and killed. Preliminary info available HERE. forecasters will re-visit the scene today and have a full report available in the coming days. Our deepest condolences go out to the friends, family, rescuers, and everyone affected by this tragic accident.
Our Backcountry 101 avalanche course 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. Click here to register. A huge thanks to Moab Gear Trader for sponsoring this course. Please visit them for all your winter backcountry needs.
Weather and Snow
A ridge of high pressure over the region will keep us under mostly sunny skies today. Winds will be light and westerly before shiting to more easterly later today. High temps will be in the mid to high 20's. The ridge moves to the east on Monday as the flow shifts to the SW. Clouds will build ahead of a subtle wave that could bring light precipitation to the mountains on Tue. Things look quiet for the rest of the week.
Conditions left something to be desired. The strong winds on Friday left behind a lunar landscape of wind-blasted, scoured, crusted, and sculpted surfaces. In many areas, it will be difficult to discern that we received 4" of new snow. In sheltered wooded areas, you can find somewhat creamy if not slightly wind jacked snow.
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.