The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is warning of an increased avalanche risk across Colorado’s Northern and Central mountains as proper snowfall returns to the state.
Colorado Avalanche Forecast. Credit: Colorado Avalanche Information Center
The CAIC forecast for Thursday, February 12th, puts the avalanche danger at CONSIDERABLE (Level 3 of 5) through the Northern and Central mountains. The Park Range and other areas that picked up the most new snow will be the most dangerous.
Avalanches can be triggered on slopes with around a foot or more of fresh snow, with the danger being greatest on northerly and easterly-facing terrain. In the Northern Mountains, southeast-facing slopes at upper elevations will also see high danger.
Backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and recreators should stick to lower-angle choices (those generally less than about 30 degrees) and steer clear of connected avalanche paths. As the storm snow settles, triggering avalanches will be possible from below or from a distance, so pay close attention to what’s above you and who’s traveling nearby.
This is the highest the avalanche danger has been all month, and this weekend is a holiday weekend that’s historically prone to accidents. The areas that get the most snow on Thursday and Friday will likely be the most dangerous on Saturday and Sunday, so check the forecast before you go and make sure you get home safely.
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Nolan Deck is a writer for Unofficial Networks, covering skiing and outdoor adventure. After growing up and skiing in Maine, he moved to the Denver area for college where he continues to live and work…
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