Colorado Avalanche Danger Extreme After Massive Christmas Dump

Take this seriously: If you are a Colorado skier or snowboarder be very aware that there is high level avalanche danger in Vail and Summit Counties due to a massive Christmas dump after a snow drought through early December. 

Colorado Avalanche Center:

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the backcountry in the Northern Mountains. Up to 3 feet of snow has fallen in the last week, and this new snow is overloading our weak, shallow snowpack. Avalanches large enough to bury a person are likely on any slope over 30 degrees. These avalanches can be triggered from long distances and from flat areas below steep slopes. Conservative decision-making and cautious route-finding will be essential for traveling in the backcountry today.

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the Vail and Summit County zone. Recent large avalanches and extensive reports of collapsing and long-shooting cracks is all the evidence we need to know that our snowpack is unstable. As late as yesterday afternoon a large avalanche released naturally on a southeast-facing slope near Loveland Pass. Although natural activity will be minimal today, conditions are prime for hazardous and potentially deadly human-triggered avalanches. You may be able to trigger an avalanche from long distances or from a flat slope that is connected to steeper terrain.

If you are traveling in the backcountry today you should choose your route carefully. Your route should steer you clear of any avalanche-path run-out zone and should keep you off of any slope steeper than 30 degrees, especially those that are easterly facing. Avalanches below treeline will be smaller than those at the higher elevations but they still can be dangerous if you are in a terrain trap such as a gully.”

Colorado Avalanche Information Center’s TWITTER is a great resource for real time info. Please subscribe HERE. 

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