CAIC issues special avalanche advisory

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center's (CAIC's) daily avalanche forecasts return today, Oct. 31, for Sunday, Nov. 1, and the season is starting with a special avalanche advisory for parts of the Southern and Central Mountains through Monday.

A powerful storm moving into Colorado will bring heavy snow and strong winds, rapidly increasing avalanche danger Sunday and potentially reaching HIGH (4 of 5) above treeline in parts of the San Juan and Elk Mountains by Monday. Large natural avalanches are possible, particularly late Sunday into Monday. While lower elevations may have little or no snow, dangerous avalanche conditions are developing at higher elevations, and avalanches could reach terrain below the snowline.

With fresh snow arriving and people eager to get back into the mountains, CAIC is urging backcountry travelers to avoid avalanche terrain in affected areas. This includes slopes steeper than about 30 degrees and areas below or connected to avalanche paths. Avalanches could release naturally, break wider and travel farther than expected. Choose routes well away from steep slopes and avalanche paths.

The Special Avalanche Advisory and regional forecasts are available at colorado.gov/avalanche.