The Front Range mountains of Colorado have received significant snowfall over the past 24 to 48 hours with some areas accumulating a foot or more of new snow. While backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and other outdoor recreators may have grown used to spring avalanche conditions, the recent snow has prompted the Colorado Avalanche Information Center to issue a Special Avalanche Advisory.
The Front Range Mountains, Pikes Peak, and the Sangre de Cristo Range are all under this Special Avalanche Advisory. The storm is likely to create dangerous conditions on both Wednesday and Thursday, with the sun quickly shifting the concern from dry to wet avalanches on the new snow.
Steep slopes in terrain with more than around 12 inches of new snow should be avoided, and fast changes in avalanche conditions should be expected as the day warms. Dry slab avalanches, most likely in wind-drifted spots, can be triggered early in the day. As the new snow warms by midday, the concern shifts toward wet avalanches on the most sun-exposed slopes.
The rest of Colorado is not free from avalanche danger. Those hoping to head into the backcountry should always ensure that they’re carrying the proper gear (avalanche beacon, probe, shovel), have the proper training, and read the avalanche forecast before doing so.
