Front Range

A Special Avalanche Advisory is in effect for mountainous areas of Colorado. New snow and winds through the holiday weekend will increase the avalanche danger statewide. Very dangerous avalanche conditions will develop in some regions, with the most dangerous conditions developing Saturday afternoon and into Sunday. Avalanche conditions will be more dangerous than we’ve experienced in weeks. Adjust your weekend plans accordingly and check the forecast frequently for changing conditions.

You will most likely trigger an avalanche on easterly-facing slopes at high elevations and close to ridgelines. Winds will drift stiff slabs over weak layers about two to three feet deep. Observers have reported triggering avalanches from below and from a distance. If you trigger an avalanche in the surface snow, it could step down to weak layers buried at the base of the snowpack, resulting in a large avalanche. You can find safer riding on slopes less than 30 degrees without steeper terrain above.