Avalanche forecast

Sawatch

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5
  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

Avalanche Summary

You can trigger a large and dangerous avalanche on most steep slopes where you find a cohesive slab of snow resting on top of weak snow near the ground. The most dangerous areas are wind-loaded terrain features such as the lee side of a ridge, in a gully, or on a concave slope near the treeline. Here, you can trigger an avalanche from below a slope or from a distance and they can break wider and run farther than you anticipate. Expect the danger to increase overnight Sunday into Monday with up to half a foot of snow forecast Sunday night. Safer travel options exist by sticking to wind-sheltered slopes below the treeline.

Regions covered