With the recent snow that has fallen across Colorado (to the tune of up to 36 inches), avalanche risk has reached some of the highest levels seen thus far this season.

According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), many of Colorado’s mountains have a moderate to high risk for avalanches at this time.

The CAIC has issued an avalanche warning for the Park Range, Elkhead Mountains, Front Range mountains (which includes Rocky Mountain National Park and the Indian Peaks Wilderness), the 10 Mile Range, mountains around Loveland and Berthoud Passes, the Gore Range, the northern portions of the Elk and Sawatch Ranges, the West Elk Mountains, Ragged Wilderness, and the Ruby Range.

The avalanche warning was issued on Friday and will remain in effect until Monday at 5 p.m. That said, warnings of this nature are always subject to extension.

The above areas are all rated ‘high’ on the CAIC’s danger scale, meaning there are currently very dangerous avalanche conditions, and travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. According to the CAIC, natural avalanches are likely, and human-triggered avalanches are very likely.

Other mountains in Colorado, including the Flat Tops, have considerable avalanche danger, meaning that dangerous avalanche conditions are present. “Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding, and conservative decision-making” is essential.

Find more information and updates about avalanche risk across Colorado here – and always check for updates prior to planning any adventure into the backcountry.

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