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Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Monday morning, February 22, 2021
The avalanche danger remains CONSIDERABLE on steep slopes facing NW-NE-SE at mid and upper elevations. In these areas, fresh deposits of wind drifted snow have added stress to buried persistent weak layers, and deep and deep and dangerous human-triggered avalanches up to 4' deep are likely. The avalanche danger is MODERATE on most south-facing slopes and human-triggered avalanches remain possible. As the day heats up, be alert to signs of loose wet instability on sun-exposed slopes such as rollerballs or pinwheels and stay out from under steep slopes if they become wet and sloppy.
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Special Announcements
Weather and Snow
Another beautiful day is on tap with sunny skies, light to moderate WNW ridgetop winds, and high temps at 10,000' near 30F. We'll see more of the same for the next couple of days before a weak disturbance brings clouds and a slight chance for snow on Wed.
Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')
Snowpack Discussion
Plenty of soft dry powder remains on sheltered, northerly aspects, but you still need to keep your slope angles under 30 degrees to avoid triggering an avalanche. Buried persistent weak layers of loose, sugary snow exist deep in the snowpack and storm snow from last week has added stress to these weak layers. Fresh deposits of wind drifted snow have added further stress to the weak snowpack.
Photo below illustrates the type of terrain that should still be avoided. Slope is: 1) steep 2) subject to wind loading 3) northerly facing and therefore harboring layers of weak, sugary, faceted snow.
Under the current conditions, tickling slopes from below can cause avalanches to release from above.
Recent Avalanches
No new avalanche activity has been observed since Brian Murdock reported this avalanche on Horse Head Mountain on Monday. It likely ran naturally sometime during the storm last weekend.
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.
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