Avalanche forecast

Sangre de Cristo

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

Avalanche Summary

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.

Strong northerly and west winds have drifted the recent snowfall into stiff, easy-to-trigger slabs. Use caution on steep easterly-facing slopes at upper elevations with smooth pillows of snow. Cracking in the snow surface is an indicator of unstable snow below you. If you do trigger a slab avalanche, it may break close to the ground, and push you into thin, rocky areas below. Choose wind-sheltered terrain or low-angled slopes to find safer travel options.

Regions covered