Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1.5–2.5
Avalanche forecast
View on mapVail & Summit County
Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Avalanche danger
Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.
Avalanche problems
Wind Slabs
NNEESESSWWNW- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1–2
Avalanche Summary
The most dangerous slopes face north through east to southeast at upper elevations in the Gore Range. Strong winds will drift new snow into a stiff, cohesive slab resting on a buried weak layer around one to four feet deep. Even a small avalanche within the recent snow could create enough mass to step down into one of these buried weak layers. Creating a much wider and far-running avalanche than anticipated. Stick to slopes less than about 30 degrees for safer travel options.
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.