Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Weather Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Class List UAC Class List Online Classes Resources and Tutorials Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Wednesday morning, January 20, 2021
You can still trigger an avalanche on steep, northerly facing slopes that have enough snow to ski or ride and the avalanche danger is MODERATE in these areas. The current snowpack structure is very weak and the danger will instantly increase with any significant snow load. Most south-facing slopes are bare and therefore have LOW to no avalanche danger.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Weather and Snow
Yesterday's storm brought a couple of inches to the mountains. Dustin Randall from ROAM Industry went up to North Creek Pass yesterday and reported generally bleak conditions. Skies remain mostly cloudy this morning. Southerly ridgetop winds are blowing in the 20-25 mph range, and temps are around 20F. Today look for clearing skies, diminishing SW winds, and high temps near 30 degrees. Similar conditions are on tap for Thursday. After that, all eyes are on the weekend as a Pacific low slides down the California coast. Discrepancies remain about the size and track of this system but we should get a decent shot of snow on Saturday, followed by another system on Monday. Keep your fingers crossed, do a snow dance, or practice whatever form of magic you prefer to make this happen!
Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')
Snowpack Discussion
The meager snowpack has deteriorated into a pile of mostly weak, sugary, facets and it won't take much of a load to create dangerous avalanche condiitons. Snow cover ranges from about 12"-24" Winds have wreaked havoc on exposed terrain and most south-facing slopes are bare.
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.
< Previous forecast
Next forecast >