Grand Mesa

There isn't enough snow to raise serious avalanche concerns, but we already have a couple of reports of small avalanches in the mountains around Aspen and in the Northern San Juan Mountains. Once snow piles up deep enough to obscure the ground cover, around 10 inches, avalanches are possible. It doesn't take alot of snow on grassy slopes, steep rock slabs, or permanent snow fields to knock you off your feet.

Nearly every fall, avalanches catch eager riders and late-season hikers off guard. Hunters traveling through the high country need to exercise caution on steep, snow-covered terrain. Below, we describe some considerations for early-season fall avalanche concerns.

We will issue updates as conditions change and will resume our daily avalanche and weather forecasts on November 1, so check back for updated conditions.We will update the Field Report and Avalanche Observations as information comes in, so please send us your observations.

You can get up-to-date point weather forecasts on our Weather Forecasts page by clicking on the map or searching for a location. You can also get model forecasts on our Point Forecasts page and Model Forecast page. You can check current weather conditions across Colorado on our Weather Stations page.

Avalanche and Snowpack Discussion

Avalanches are possible in the mountainous areas of Colorado whenever you find snow on a steep slope. In general, you should consider the consequences of being caught in an avalanche before you cross any steep, snow-covered slope, but below are some avalanche problems you may encounter this fall.

Most avalanches happen during or right after a snowstorm. However, any time new snow falls and the wind moves it through the terrain, avalanches are possible. New snow often has a hard time adhering to hard, icy old snow surfaces, so a fall snowstorm can produce small avalanches if it falls onto old snow, grassy areas or rock slabs. The best way to manage these avalanches in the fall is to have a current weather forecast, recognize when there is enough snow to produce avalanches, and select terrain that minimizes your exposure to the risk.

Storms Slab avalanches are the release of a soft cohesive layer (a slab) composed of new snow that breaks within the storm snow or on the old snow surface. They often form when new snow falls with light winds or in wind-sheltered areas. They typically last for a few days. You can reduce your risk from Storm Slabs by waiting a day or two after a storm before venturing into steep terrain. Storm slabs are most dangerous on slopes with terrain traps like gullies or cliffs, or slopes that end in timber or scree fields.

With Wind Slab avalanches, wind-drifted snow forms the cohesive layer (a slab). Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Drifted snow is often smooth and rounded, and sometimes sounds hollow. They form in specific areas leeward of terrain features. You can reduce your risk from Wind Slab avalanches by sticking to wind-sheltered or wind-scoured areas and avoiding drifted spots.

Loose Dry avalanches are a release of dry, unconsolidated snow. They start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Loose Dry avalanches are usually relatively harmless to people. They can be dangerous if they catch and carry you into or over terrain traps like gullies or cliffs, or slopes that end in timber or scree fields.

Avalanche conditions can change rapidly during snow storms, wind storms, or rapid temperature change. For the most current information, go to www.colorado.gov/avalanche.