Colorado is currently experiencing a potentially record breaking mid-March heat wave, with temperatures in Denver reaching near 90°F and temperatures in the mountains reaching into the 60s. The warm weather is having a serious impact of the snowpack statewide, and while you might think that means the backcountry is safer, it’s actually leading to an increase in the avalanche danger heading into the weekend.
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, The Central and Northern Mountains are seeing an increase in avalanche danger from MODERATE (2 of 5) to CONSIDERABLE (3 of 5) near and below treeline as the concern surrounding wet avalanches increases. The avalanche danger is expected to continue rising into the weekend as the heat wave continues.
Loose wet avalanches become easier to trigger on sunny slopes as the day goes on and the temperatures rise. These wet slides can gouge deeper into the snowpack, growing larger and potentially triggering a wet slab avalanche. In both the Northern and Central Mountains, some areas continue to hold a winter snowpack where persistent slab avalanches are possible on shaded, north-facing slopes at mid and upper elevations.
“The avalanche danger pattern this weekend is complicated and you could change from dry winter conditions to wet spring conditions by changing to a different aspect or elevation band. Travelers looking for cooler snow on shaded slopes may still encounter dangerous weak layers, while those on sun-exposed slopes will see conditions deteriorate quickly as temperatures rise. What feels manageable in the morning can become much more dangerous by the afternoon.” – CAIC Director Ethan Greene.
If you’re heading into the backcountry, start early and avoid steep slopes once the snow becomes wet, soft or unsupportable, and expect conditions to change quickly. What feels manageable in the morning can easily become dangerous by the afternoon. Resort visitors exiting the ski area through a gate are entering the backcountry and must manage their own avalanche safety. The avalanche danger will increase as days warm. Make sure you always check the avalanche forecast before heading out.
