Aspen, Colorado – Backcountry travelers heading out for the President’s Day holiday face increasing avalanche danger across Colorado’s mountains as strong winds continue to drift fresh snow onto unstable slopes.
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, multiple human-triggered avalanches were reported over the weekend as blowing snow created new slabs in leeward terrain. Winds will keep transporting snow Monday, building thicker drifts above treeline and along ridgelines where loading is most pronounced.
Forecasters warn that avalanche danger will rise beginning Tuesday, especially in the West Elk Mountains, with some zones expected to reach HIGH danger levels. About 80 percent of avalanche fatalities occur during Moderate and Considerable ratings, and February is historically Colorado’s deadliest month for slides.
Slopes steeper than 30 degrees, particularly those on the northern half of the compass, pose the greatest threat as wind slabs grow deeper and more reactive. Avalanche officials say the slides later this week could be among the largest of the season due to intense wind loading.
Anyone traveling in the backcountry should check the latest avalanche bulletin, carry rescue gear and avoid steep, wind-loaded terrain. Conditions are expected to change rapidly through midweek as the next storm system approaches.
