Colorado Warns Skiers Of High Avalanche Danger This Week
There’s really nothing like spring in Colorado.
One day it can be 75 degrees and sunny, and the next, you’re breaking your shovel back out and wishing you hadn’t already taken your snow tires off. After such an odd winter for the state, it only makes sense that spring would come with its own bag of tricks.
On Tuesday, May 5, a storm is expected to move into the state and, with it, bring high snow totals. Up to 8 inches of snow could fall in the Northern and Central Mountains, 15 inches in the Park Range and Elk Mountains, and 1-2 feet on the eastern Front Range in places like Rocky Mountain National Park. Due to new snow and winds, the state’s avalanche danger is expected to rise significantly, creating complex conditions.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) issued a warning regarding the conditions.
The avalanche danger on the eastern Front Range is expected to be HIGH (4 out of 5) on Wednesday, May 6, around 11,000 feet. In these conditions, natural avalanches are likely, and folks should avoid avalanche terrain.
In other areas, up to 15″ of new snow is expected to create CONSIDERABLE (3 out of 5) avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and could be easily triggered on steep slopes.
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CAIC warns that the incoming storm will impact some of Colorado’s most accessible and popular backcountry terrain.
The combination of heavy new snowfall and wind on existing spring snow will create dangerous avalanche conditions, particularly near and above treeline. Following the storm, warmer temperatures and sunshine could create further wet-loose avalanche problems.
Skiers recreating in the backcountry after the storm are reminded to choose low-angle terrain, avoid avalanche paths, and be cautious around and avoid any overhead hazards.
When traveling in the backcountry, remember to always carry the proper avalanche equipment, have the right knowledge, and travel with a buddy.
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