Steamboat & Flat Tops

An Avalanche Warning is in effect for the Flat Top Mountains from 5 PM Tuesday until 5 AM Thursday. Heavy snow and strong wind result in very dangerous avalanche conditions. It will be very easy to trigger large avalanches, and avalanches can also release naturally. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

A pair of recent accidents highlight the consequence of triggering a deep avalanche. On Friday, three backcountry skiers triggered and were caught in a large avalanche near Marble on an easterly-facing slope. Sadly one died. You can read the preliminary report here. Sunday afternoon, another skier died in an accident in Maroon Bowl, on a northerly-facing slope near Aspen Highlands. You can read this preliminary report here.