Sawatch

You can easily trigger a wet avalanche on slopes where your feet, skis, or machine sink more than around a foot into wet snow. Some of them can grow large enough to bury you on sustained, steep slopes. You can also trigger a larger avalanche in dry snow on high-elevation north-facing slopes that breaks on weak snow near the ground. To reduce your chances of being caught in an avalanche, avoid traveling on or under steep slopes facing northwest through north to east at higher elevations and avoid steep, south-facing slopes in the afternoon when the snow gets wet.

Support these forecasts and avalanche education programming across Colorado by donating to Friends of CAIC’s Spring Gear Giveaway Fundraiser through April 1. Donate Now!