Sangre de Cristo

New snowfall with strong northeast winds will not be enough to raise the avalanche danger. Winds will drift new accumulation onto south to southwest through west slopes with patchy, bare, and disconnected snow coverage. Windward slopes with connected snow coverage may see an increase in sensitivity on wind-pressed surfaces. Avalanches triggered on these slopes will likely be small and isolated and can be more dangerous if triggered in steep terrain that terminates in shallow buried rocks.

On Tuesday, January 7, a backcountry skier was caught and killed in an avalanche on Red Mountain Number 3, near Red Mountain Pass. The avalanche was triggered on a wind-drifted northwest-facing slope near treeline. Our deepest condolences to the deceased skier's family, friends, and community. You can read the preliminary accident report here.