The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) has issued multiple Avalanche Warnings across Colorado, with widespread HIGH danger (4 of 5) expected through the end of the week.
Peak winds and heavy snow are set to rapidly load an already compromised snowpack, creating what forecasters are calling very dangerous conditions as of Wednesday morning. This situation should not be take lightly.
Wednesday, February 18th, is a day to stay out of avalanche terrain entirely. The CAIC is urging all backcountry travelers to stick to simple, low-angle terrain under 30 degrees and ensure they are well clear of runout zones. In areas under Avalanche Warning, you can easily trigger large, destructive avalanches, with natural releases are expected as well.
To put “large and destructive” in perspective, the CAIC has pointed to the D3 slide above from January 3rd, 2026, that occurred above North Anthracite Creek as an example of what these conditions can produce. That slide propagated more than a mile wide, ripping across multiple connected slopes. That’s the scale of what’s possible out there right now.
Make sure you check the forecast at colorado.gov/avalanche before you head out, and when in doubt, stay home. The mountains will still be there when the danger drops.
