Avalanche forecast

Front Range

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago.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

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

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

Avalanche Summary

You can easily trigger avalanches where westerly winds formed thick drifts of recent snow on steep slopes. Look for and avoid lens-shaped pillows of snow on steep slopes below ridges, inside gullies, and behind convex rollovers. You're most likely to find new drifts on north through east to south-facing slopes. But treat drifts on cross-loaded slopes as guilty until proven innocent. Cracking in the new snow is a sign to avoid steep slopes. Seek out wind-sheltered slopes, or slopes less than about 35 degrees, as safer options.

Beware of wet snow shedding off steep slopes on the south half of the compass tomorrow. If you see pinwheels or rollerballs in the snow, or you're sinking up to your ankles in wet snow, you should avoid steep slopes. Make sure you're aware of what's above you and below you. Avoid traveling under cliffs with wet snow slopes above, or on steep slopes with wet snow above terrain traps.

Regions covered