This past weekend brought a good amount of snowfall to Colorado, with some areas in the southwest portion of the state receiving almost 2 feet. Though this was the first major snowfall in the state, the risk of avalanches is still there, and skiers/snowboarders who hope to take advantage of the weather need to be prepared for the conditions.
On Sunday, a skier triggered and skied in front of an avalanche near Silverton Mountain, marking the state’s first reported skier-triggered avalanche of the season.
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) field report, the skier-triggered avalanche occurred near Silverton Mountain‘s Grassy Run. Two skiers skinned up Grassy and skied a ridge on a north to northwest facing slope. Minor whumphing and cracking was observed on the skin track, and the first skier saw cracking behind them as they descended, skiing in front of the slide.
“Two skiers skied north facing ridge. Near Silverton Mtn’s grassy run. Half way down skier 1 dipped over convex rollover and saw cracking behind with moving snow. Skier 1 carried speed and skied in front of small slide. Skier 2 came to edge of convex rollover and triggered a secondary slide over the top of the first. Both skiers skied out safe.” – CAIC Field Report from 10/20
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has not yet begun their daily backcountry avalanche forecasts, though they note that anyone in the snowy mountains should be aware that avalanches are possible once the snow is deep enough to obscure the ground cover. Not much is needed on grassy slopes or steep rock slabs.
“Nearly every fall, avalanches catch eager riders and late-season hikers off-guard. Hunters traveling through the high country need to exercise caution on steep, snow-covered terrain. Please be thinking about avalanches if you visit steep slopes in the high country.” – CAIC
Daily avalanche forecasts are set to resume for the 2024/25 winter season on November 1st. For now make sure to read through CAIC’s discussion of Fall Avalanche Safety if you plan to head out into the backcountry.