Colorado Avalanche Information Center warns warm temperatures increasing avalanche danger across Colorado heading into weekend

Avalanche danger is rising across Colorado as very warm temperatures impact the snowpack statewide. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) warns that conditions will become increasingly dangerous throughout Thursday and continue to worsen into the weekend.

In parts of the central and northern mountains, avalanche danger is rising from moderate (2 of 5) to consider (3 of 5) near and below treeline as wet avalanche concerns increase. Across the state, avalanche danger is expected to continue rising into the weekend as the heat wave persists. This is especially important for resort visitors who may be thinking about heading out of bounds into adjacent backcountry terrain.

Loose, wet avalanches will become easier to trigger on sunny slopes as the day heats up. Some of these avalanches may gouge deeper into the snowpack, grow larger and possibly trigger wet slab avalanches. 

“The avalanche danger pattern this weekend is complicated and you could change from dry winter conditions to wet spring conditions by changing to a different aspect or elevation band,” said CAIC Director Ethan Greene. “Travelers looking for cooler snow on shaded slopes may still encounter dangerous weak layers, while those on sun-exposed slopes will see conditions deteriorate quickly as temperatures rise. What feels manageable in the morning can become much more dangerous by the afternoon.”

Public safety guidance

• Start early and avoid steep slopes once the snow becomes wet, soft or unsupportable.
• Expect conditions to change quickly: what feels manageable in the morning may become dangerous by the afternoon.
• If you leave the ski area through a gate, you are in the backcountry.
• Resort visitors heading into out-of-bounds terrain need to manage their own avalanche safety, and the avalanche danger will increase as each day warms.

CAIC advises backcountry travelers to check the avalanche forecast before heading out. For the latest conditions and forecasts, visit Colorado.gov/avalanche.