Storm Moving into Colorado
The Colorado backcountry is gorgeous this time of year. It also becomes avalanche country. In the past 10 years, Colorado has recorded an average of six avalanche deaths per year.
This year’s historically low snow pack (only 43 percent in the Arkansas River Basin) has been impacted by warm, freeze-thaw conditions for weeks. With a major winter storm finally heading this direction this week, avalanche conditions are expected to worsen. Now is the time to refresh your backcountry skills before you need them.
 So far this season, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) has recorded nearly 1,448 avalanches.
These slides have resulted in 30 people caught, eight people buried, and three injured.
Respect the snow pack. Avalanches are deadly. Before heading out, check the CAIC Avalanche Forecast for danger ratings and snow pack conditions. Don’t forget travel advice; many county and state roadways in Colorado are avalanche-prone.
Be aware that most avalanches occur on slopes between 30 and 50 degrees. Avoid this steep terrain — both being on it, and under steep slopes. Remember that our Colorado ski resorts are experts at mitigating the danger of slides on runs and bowls within their resort boundaries. But when you venture to the back country, you are on your own.Â
Especially if you are a novice, and you are planning to travel through avalanche terrain, consider taking a class to acquire basic avalanche knowledge and skills.
Always — Always — carry the proper avalanche safety gear in backcountry — a transceiver (beacon), shovel and probe. Don’t just carry them; learn how to use them effectively. Preparation could save your life.
Featured image: Nathan Greene, of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center explains their close collaboration with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Photo by Jan Wondra.