Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Wednesday morning, January 15, 2020
A MODERATE danger exists on steep, wind drifted slopes that face NW-N-SE where strong SW winds have blown and drifted snow on to leeward slopes. I 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. Most other terrain has generally LOW danger.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
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
Skies are clear this morning, winds are starting to back off, and it looks like it will be a beautiful day in the mountains. You will have to stick to sheltered terrain to find good snow however. SE-SW winds have been cranking over the past few days averaging 20-30 mph with gusts to 40.
Looking ahead, the next storm is on track to move through the area on Friday. It doesn't look like a big snow producer, and though it is on a favorable SW flow, the main energy looks like it will pass by to the east. High pressure builds through the weekend with a possible return to an active pattern by mid next week.
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.