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Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Issued by Chris Benson on
Wednesday morning, March 17, 2021
The avalanche danger is MODERATE on steep, wind-drifted slopes at upper elevations on all aspects and human-triggered avalanches remain possible. Avoid steep slopes where you can detect recent deposits of wind drifted snow. On slopes facing the north half of the compass, last weekend's snow may have added enough of a load for avalanches to fail down to a buried persistent weak layer causing a deeper and more dangerous avalanche. Elsewhere, the avalanche danger is LOW, but expect sunny slopes to heat up quickly today and avoid slopes with signs of wet snow instability such as roller balls and pin-wheels. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and use safe travel techniques to minimize your exposure.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements
Weather and Snow
Today it will be sunny with high temperatures near 37F at 10,000'. North northwest winds from 10-15 mph. A ridge of high pressure is pushing out the fast moving low-pressure that brought clouds and a trace of snow yesterday. Conditions dry out and warm up for the remainder of the week with a weak storm for the upcoming weekend and a stronger storm on the horizon for the middle of next week.
Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')
Snowpack Discussion
Last weekend, snow totals varied across the range with what appears to be 5"-10" with about 1.4" of snow-water-equivalent. Strong NW winds on Sunday have blown and drifted the new snow, especially in exposed terrain at upper elevations and steep, wind drifted slopes should be avoided.
Over the last two days, time, warm temperatures and light winds helped the snowpack adjust to this large load. Strong solar input and warm temperatures have also crusted over most aspects at lower elevations, and sunny aspects at higher elevations.
Yesterday while breaking trail at low elevations in the La Sals, no signs of instability were observed. Several test slopes up to 40 degrees did not produce any cracking or collapsing. Much of the lower elevation snowpack is consolidating quickly and it appears the storm snow has bonded well with the old snow.
More reports of natural avalanches in the La Sals that ran during the peak of instability on the 14th continue to be received. In the Abajos, upper elevation slopes that did not avalanche are slowly gaining strength but could still produce large and deadly avalanches under the additional weight of a rider.
Last night, temperatures dipped below freezing at 9,000'. Look for sunny slopes to heat up quickly today and avoid slopes with signs of wet snow instability such as roller balls, pin-wheels, or sloppy conditions.
Recent Avalanches
Several natural avalanches have been reported in the La Sals from the large storm last weekend. While the Abajos did not receive nearly as much snow or wind, similar avalanche problems exist and could produce destructive avalanches.
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.