COLORADO – AVALANCHE DANGER REMAINS CRITICAL THROUGH WEEKEND
A Special Avalanche Advisory from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is in effect through 4:30 PM Sunday, December 1, warning of “the most dangerous avalanche conditions of the season.” Significant snowfall from a Thanksgiving storm has created widespread hazards across the state’s mountainous regions. The advisory emphasizes avoiding travel on or below slopes steeper than 30 degrees, as avalanches are likely and can be triggered remotely.
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Elevated Risk Across All Mountain Regions
The Northern Mountains, including areas near Eagle and Summit County, saw snow totals of up to 40 inches from the storm. This snow rests on a fragile early-season base, leading to widespread Persistent Slab and Storm Slab avalanche concerns. Observations have shown shooting cracks, collapses, and long-distance triggering of slides.
Central Mountains reported impressive natural avalanches and numerous human-triggered slides, particularly along steep slopes with north-to-east aspects. While natural avalanche activity peaked earlier this week, snow slabs are now becoming more cohesive, increasing the risk of larger avalanches breaking across terrain features.
The Southern Mountains experienced slightly less snowfall, with 12–20 inches recorded. However, the wet, dense snow significantly stressed an already fragile snowpack, leading to CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger in areas such as Wolf Creek Pass and Ophir.
Key Hazards Identified
- Persistent Slab: Likely to fail on slopes facing northwest through east at all elevations. These avalanches can propagate over large distances, even from adjacent or low-angle terrain.
- Storm Slab: Present above treeline and in areas near and below treeline, primarily on west-to-north-to-east aspects. Triggering is possible for days after snowfall and can result in widespread slides.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Travel Recommendations
Backcountry users are urged to avoid avalanche-prone slopes and overhead hazards, as slides can be triggered remotely or from below. Safer options include low-angle terrain with no connection to steeper slopes. While sunny weather and lighter winds are forecasted for the weekend, experts warn this could make snow slabs more reactive as they warm and settle. For those determined to venture into the backcountry, meticulous route planning and constant vigilance for signs of instability—such as shooting cracks or collapses—are essential. Snowpack assessments should be thorough, even in areas that appear safer, like southerly aspects with pre-storm snow scarcity.Community Effort for Safety
CAIC stresses the importance of collective vigilance. If you observe unsafe decisions or practices, engage fellow travelers in conversation about the heightened risks. The shared goal is ensuring that everyone returns home safely.Safety Tips for Backcountry Travelers
- Avoid steep slopes (greater than 30 degrees) and areas connected to them.
- Look for signs of instability, such as shooting cracks or collapses.
- Stay informed with daily avalanche forecasts from CAIC (https://avalanche.state.co.us).
- Equip yourself with avalanche safety gear: beacon, probe, and shovel—and know how to use them.
- Consider taking an avalanche safety course if you plan to travel frequently in the backcountry.
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