Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 2–3
Avalanche forecast
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Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Avalanche danger
Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.
Avalanche problems
Wind Slabs
NNEESESSWWNW- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Loose Wet
NNEESESSWWNW- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–1.5
Avalanche Summary
You can easily trigger a slab avalanche on steep wind-drifted terrain features where you find more than about a foot of fresh snow on the now-buried rain crust from late February. The more worrisome situation is if an avalanche breaks through that crust, into deeper buried weak layers. You can find safer conditions in wind-sheltered, lower-angled terrain without steep terrain overhead. Move away from steep slopes with wet snow later in the day.
On March 7th, a backcountry skier was caught and killed in an avalanche near Vail Pass. The avalanche released on a northeast-facing slope near treeline, about 2 to 3 feet deep. Our deepest condolences to the deceased skier's family, friends, and community. You can read the preliminary accident report here.