The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is warning backcountry travelers of a significant increase in avalanche danger across the Colorado mountains during Thanksgiving week. An atmospheric river brought heavy snowfall to Colorado with up to 3 feet expected in some areas, and at least 2 feet across much of the mountains.
“We’re particularly worried because we’ll see the most dangerous avalanche conditions we’ve seen so far this season when more people than usual will be getting out to recreate because of the holiday,” said CAIC Director Ethan Greene.
This rapid and heavy snowfall, combined with an already weak snowpack, will lead to dramatically different and significantly more dangerous avalanche conditions than seen so far this season. Avalanche danger is expected to reach high (Level 4 of 5) in favored areas by Tuesday night, with large, dangerous avalanches possible.
“There will be an increased likelihood of natural and human-triggered avalanches that are large enough to seriously injure or kill a person this week,” Greene said.
CAIC issues avalanche danger ratings based on the North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale from low danger (Level 1) to extreme danger (Level 5). During certain avalanche conditions, CAIC also issues avalanche watches and warnings when the avalanche hazard will be or is high (Level 4) or extreme (Level 5). Special avalanche advisories are issued to alert the public of an increased safety risk due to potentially dangerous conditions for many people.
“The avalanche danger is going to be higher and avalanche conditions are going to be trickier this coming week than what we’ve seen so far this season,” Greene said. “There are still lots of great, safe places to go. We want people to check the avalanche forecast and make a plan that keeps them out of avalanche terrain or off of the dangerous slopes.”
Forecast timeline:
Wednesday - Snowfall totals may reach 3 feet in areas like the Park Range, Flat Tops and Elk Mountains, with two feet or more across most mountains. Avalanche danger will likely reach high (4 of 5) in much of the Northern and Central mountains, and in the western San Juans.
Thanksgiving - Avalanche conditions are expected to remain very dangerous with a considerable (3 of 5) rating.
Friday-Sunday - While the storm ends late Wednesday or early Thursday, dangerous avalanche conditions will continue as the snowpack adjusts to this rapid load. With clear skies, fresh snow and the holiday weekend, backcountry activity will likely increase. Special avalanche advisories are anticipated.
CAIC strongly advises all backcountry travelers to check the avalanche forecast regularly and adjust their plans accordingly. Always carry proper avalanche safety gear, including a transceiver, probe and shovel, and know how to use them. Avoid avalanche-prone terrain during periods of heightened danger.
This timeline is subject to change. For the latest avalanche conditions, visit CAIC’s website at Colorado.gov/avalanche or the Crested Butte Avalanche Center at cbavalanchecenter.org/.
(Source: Colorado Avalanche Information Center.)
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