An avalanche ran through the Dragon’s Tail Couloir in Rocky Mountain National Park on May 6th, 2026, catching two skiers during a transition and carrying them across the apron and over a small cliff band.
The slide occurred around 3pm. Both skiers were caught and carried downslope. One lost a backpack in the debris while the other came out missing a ski and a pole. Neither sustained serious injuries.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is flagging the incident as a reminder that spring conditions remain dangerous. Avalanche danger was rated Considerable, Level 3 out of 5, across the northern Front Range following a series of recent storms. That rating means human-triggered avalanches are likely on steep slopes, and natural avalanches are possible. Since then the rating has dropped to Level 1 out of 5 across the state, but avalanches are still possible.
The CAIC urges backcountry travelers to continue checking daily forecasts throughout the remainder of the month, as storm cycles and warming temperatures can shift conditions quickly. Weather forecasts, field observations, and weather station data are all available through the CAIC and should be factored into any trip plan before heading into avalanche terrain.
Dragon’s Tail is a popular steep couloir that draws skiers and splitboarders looking for technical descents within the park. Its exposed terrain and elevation make it particularly susceptible to loading during storm cycles.
