Avalanche forecast

Sawatch

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Out of date — this forecast expired last year.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
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–2
  • Loose Wet

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

Avalanche Summary

Although becoming less likely with every passing warm day, you can still trigger avalanches that break about a foot deep on a buried weak layer. The most dangerous slopes face west through north to east and are at mid and upper elevations. Carefully assess these slopes before recreating.

You can trigger avalanches in the wet surface snow, and some avalanches will run naturally as temperatures warm. Signs of deteriorating conditions are small avalanches running from steep rocky terrain, rollerballs or pinwheels in the wet surface snow, and gloppy snow sticking to your skis, boots, crampons, or machine. Timing is key to avoiding this problem. Get into and out of the mountains early to avoid wet snow avalanches.

Regions covered