Colorado Avalanche Information Center Warns Of Increasing Avalanche Danger Across Colorado This Weekend
Avalanche danger is rapidly increasing across Colorado as a winter storm brings widespread snowfall and strong winds to the mountains this weekend. Conditions are expected to change quickly, and travelers are urged to check the avalanche forecast, stay up-to-date on current conditions, and adjust plans accordingly.
In the West Elk Mountains, avalanche danger is expected to rise to HIGH (level 4 of 5) near Crested Butte and Marble. Backcountry travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended in these areas from Friday night through Sunday.
Avalanche danger will rise to CONSIDERABLE (level 3 of 5) Friday night and remain elevated through the weekend. This includes portions of the Front Range, Summit County, the Gore Range and Vail area, Elk Mountains, Grand Mesa, Monarch, most of the San Juan Mountains, and the Sangre de Cristo Range. In these areas, backcountry travelers can trigger avalanches that break in the new snow or on more deeply buried layers. Rapid storm loading and wind-drifted snow are expected to create increasingly dangerous avalanche conditions.
Forecasts call for 6 to 12 inches of new snow across most mountain areas. Some areas could see close to two feet of new snow. This widespread snowfall will land on an already fragile snowpack and drive a rapid increase in avalanche danger statewide. Winds are forecast to intensify late Saturday into Sunday, which will make conditions even more dangerous by Sunday.
“Last weekend, with just about six inches of new snow, we recorded 27 human-triggered avalanches statewide, and five people were caught in avalanches in the Northern Mountains,” said Ethan Greene, director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
“We’re expecting a repeat pattern this weekend, and with even more snow, we’re anticipating dangerous conditions in most of the mountains and very dangerous conditions in the West Elk Mountains. Fresh snow is exciting, especially this winter, but people can trigger avalanches in many areas. Everyone should visit colorado.gov/avalanche and make sure they avoid the dangerous areas.”
In the West Elk Mountains, avalanche danger is expected to rise to HIGH (level 4 of 5) near Crested Butte and Marble. Backcountry travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended in these areas from Friday night through Sunday.
Avalanche danger will rise to CONSIDERABLE (level 3 of 5) Friday night and remain elevated through the weekend. This includes portions of the Front Range, Summit County, the Gore Range and Vail area, Elk Mountains, Grand Mesa, Monarch, most of the San Juan Mountains, and the Sangre de Cristo Range. In these areas, backcountry travelers can trigger avalanches that break in the new snow or on more deeply buried layers. Rapid storm loading and wind-drifted snow are expected to create increasingly dangerous avalanche conditions.
Forecasts call for 6 to 12 inches of new snow across most mountain areas. Some areas could see close to two feet of new snow. This widespread snowfall will land on an already fragile snowpack and drive a rapid increase in avalanche danger statewide. Winds are forecast to intensify late Saturday into Sunday, which will make conditions even more dangerous by Sunday.
“Last weekend, with just about six inches of new snow, we recorded 27 human-triggered avalanches statewide, and five people were caught in avalanches in the Northern Mountains,” said Ethan Greene, director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
“We’re expecting a repeat pattern this weekend, and with even more snow, we’re anticipating dangerous conditions in most of the mountains and very dangerous conditions in the West Elk Mountains. Fresh snow is exciting, especially this winter, but people can trigger avalanches in many areas. Everyone should visit colorado.gov/avalanche and make sure they avoid the dangerous areas.”
The CAIC strongly advises all backcountry travelers to check the avalanche forecast regularly and adjust their plans accordingly. Always carry proper avalanche safety gear and avoid avalanche-prone terrain during periods of heightened danger. For the latest avalanche conditions, visit Colorado.gov/avalanche.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is a state agency within the Department of Natural Resources that is dedicated to public avalanche safety across Colorado. Since 1950, avalanches have killed more people in Colorado than any other natural hazard. Our mission is to provide avalanche information, education and promote research for the protection of life, property and the enhancement of the state’s economy. CAIC supports this mission by providing avalanche safety resources statewide, issuing daily avalanche forecasts during the season for around 28,000 square miles of Colorado’s backcountry terrain, and participating in avalanche research projects to advance snow science. Learn more at Colorado.gov/avalanche.
