According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, more than 60 avalanches have been reported in recent days amid the state’s first decent snowfall in weeks. The ‘observations’ page on the CAIC website indicates that 67 slides were reported between January 23 and mid-day January 26.

Most of these avalanches were described as “smaller natural loose slides,” by the organization, with backcountry avalanche risk rated as either a two of five or a three of five across all Colorado mountain zones as of January 26 (note: subject to rapid change, find updates here).

According to the CAIC, winds are expected to stiffen new snow into slabs that will exist over weaker layers of snow. CAIC experts believe that this will likely result in larger and more connected slides in days to come.

Described as a ‘persistent slab set-up,’ the organization wrote that “avalanches are likely to step into deeper weak layers,” with it also crucial to note that these avalanches could be triggered on lower-angle terrain. Persistent slab avalanches tend to be associated with inconsistent snowfall and dry spells, with older snow growing weak overtime and then becoming especially problematic when a thick layer of new snow lands on top of it. This season, thus far, has brought large gaps between pack-building snow, thus it’s not too surprising that this type of risk is present.

Always check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center for advice and instruction prior to leaving the trailhead behind to enter a snowy backcountry scene. And remember – just because snowpack is currently at an all-time low for the date, avalanche risk should still be expected. Find more information about avalanche risk in Colorado here.

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