The Colorado Avalanche Information Center warns recreators that avalanche danger is rapidly increasing across Colorado as a winter storm brings widespread snowfall and strong winds to the mountains this weekend. According to a Jan. 23 release, 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.
“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, in the release.
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.
CAIC said in the release that avalanche danger will rise to CONSIDERABLE (level 3 of 5) on 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, the release stated. 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.
“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,” Greene said. “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.