There’s been an uptick in avalanche risk in Colorado after big snow this weekend with more snow on the way.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) announced that the risk forecast includes considerable avalanche danger (three of five) for the first time this season in the Raggeds Wilderness. There is also moderate avalanche danger (two of five) in several other places across Colorado as well, including the Sawatch Range, Elk Mountains, and in more southern mountain ranges.
According to the CAIC, moderate avalanche danger means that there are “heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features,” and those in avalanche terrain should evaluate the snow and terrain carefully and identify features of concern. Considerable avalanche danger means that dangerous avalanche conditions are present, and that “careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making” are essential.
The CAIC also reported that the first incident of this winter season was recorded in the Southern Mountains. A skier triggered a small avalanche off McMillan Peak on Red Mountain Pass Saturday morning. According to a Facebook post, the avalanche began above the skier and ran 60 to 70 feet.
With the increasing avalanche risk, the CAIC reminded outdoor recreationists that with the new snow Colorado has received it’s important to be aware that conditions have changed significantly compared to the last few weeks.
Check out the CAIC’s full avalanche forecast and more information on avalanche safety, the danger scale and more here.
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