Avalanche forecast

Sawatch

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
  • Loose Dry

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

Avalanche Summary

Identify and avoid wind-drifted slopes near and above treeline to dramatically decrease your chances of being caught in an avalanche. If the snow feels hard and hollow, then you are likely on a wind-drifted slope and should stick to low-angle terrain. You can find safer travel options in wind-sheltered terrain where your feet or skis sink through the snow at least to your boot tops or your knees.

If you are traveling on shady slopes steeper than about 35 degrees, you could trigger a smaller but still concerning loose avalanche. These will mostly be concerning on long, sustained slopes where even a small avalanche can take you for a dangerous ride, and if you are above a terrain trap, such as rocks or a creek, it could seriously injure you.

Regions covered