Avalanche forecast

Avalanche forecast

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

  • Loose Wet

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

Avalanche Summary

You can trigger a large avalanche on slopes where you find firm pillows of drifted snow. Avoid them on steep slopes below ridges and in gullies. You are unlikely to get any warning signs like cracking or collapsing before you trigger an avalanche. Multiple people could ride a slope before someone finds a weaker area of the slope and triggers a slide. You can find safer travel on low-angled slopes and in sheltered areas.

For visual impact, here's a montage of last week's large avalanches from around the state.

Above-freezing temperatures, sunny skies, and light winds mean the snow surface could become wet on sunny slopes. You can trigger a slide where you find wet, cohesionless snow on steep slopes. Avoid steep slopes if you're sinking up to your ankles in wet snow. Rollerballs and point-releases are indications the surface is becoming wet.