Steamboat & Flat Tops

Warm overnight temperatures on Wednesday night will increase the threat of wet avalanches going into Thursday. Lower elevations may not see a refreeze of the snow surface. To reduce your risk of avalanches, start your day early and end early, and consider a drastic change of plans, avoiding steep slopes, if you do not find a supportable melt-freeze crust to travel on early in the morning.

Once the snow gets wet, head to slopes with cooler snow or return to the trailhead. When the surface crust melts, most southerly slopes will be dangerous. East-facing near treeline slopes are particularly dangerous. This is where colder snow and thicker slabs will get wet for the first time. Avalanches can be larger on these particular slopes.

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!