Colorado avalanche officials issue early-season forecast advising skiers, hikers and hunters of hazards ‘developing on steep slopes’
An inbound storm is expected to bring rain and snow that could increase the avalanche risk in Colorado’s mountains
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has begun issuing forecasts for the winter season.
The state-run center announced a forecast that runs from Thursday through the weekend, warning that avalanche hazards are “developing on steep, snow-covered slopes” as a storm rolls through Colorado.
“Nearly every fall, small avalanches catch eager snow riders, late-season hikers and hunters off guard,” the forecast states. “If you are traveling through the High Country over the next few days, exercise caution on steep, snow-covered terrain.”
Avalanches can occur anywhere there is snow covering a slope and present a continuous risk in the backcountry throughout the winter. Most winters, Colorado leads the nation for avalanche-related fatalities.
Experts advise recreationists to educate themselves on the avalanche risk, plan ahead and carry the proper gear, including a transceiver, probe and shovel, when traveling in the backcountry.
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Beginning Nov. 1, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center will provide daily avalanche forecasts — available at avalanche.state.co.us — that can be used by backcountry skiers and snowboarders as well as professionals to assess and manage risk.
This weekend’s forecast warns that rain falling on existing snow could result in loose wet avalanches that form when wet, unconsolidated slush picks up snow as it moves downhill due to its water content.
As new snow accumulates, the forecast states there’s the potential for dry slab avalanches, where a cohesive slab of new snow breaks and slides overtop the existing snow layer, as well as loose dry avalanches or sluff, where unconsolidated snow near the surface releases.
While early-season avalanches contain less snow and are less likely to bury a person, small slides can still have consequential outcomes — especially in steep, rocky terrain that is not yet covered by snow, according to avalanche officials.
“Heading into the High Country this weekend? Choose lower-angle routes and go around steep, snow-covered slopes, especially where drifts are deep enough to cover the ground,” the forecast center states. “Even small avalanches can carry you into rocks.”
