Avalanche danger remains high in many parts of Colorado, with an avalanche warning in effect for two of Colorado Avalanche Information Center‘s forecasting zones.
Avalanche warning is in effect across the Front Range, Gore Range, Tenmile Range, northeast Sawach Range, and the Park Range for Thursday, January 2. Intense snowfall and strong winds have and will continue to create very dangerous avalanche conditions for those in the backcountry
Deep, wide, and dangerous avalanches, including those triggered from quite a distance and some that release naturally in wind-drifted terrain, are very possible. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
Other portions of the state are also under the “considerable” level of the North American Avalanche Danger Scale. No one should be traveling in the backcountry without checking the avalanche forecast and having the proper training and experience to do so.
Colorado Avalanche Information Center Basic Avalanche Safety:
Avalanches are possible any time you have snow on a slope. The best thing you can do before you head into the mountains is check the avalanche forecast.
If you are traveling where there isn’t a current avalanche forecast, here are some simple things that will help you avoid avalanches.
- Avalanches are possible when you have snow on a slope steeper than about 30 degrees.
- Most avalanches happen during or soon after a big snowstorm, period of strong winds, or during a thaw (rapid increase in temperature).
- Signs of higher avalanche danger include recent avalanches, cracking in the snow, and audible collapsing. Avoid traveling on or under similar slopes.
If you want to dig deeper, you can view a list of educational resources on our Education Resources page.
