Denver, Colorado – Backcountry travel across Colorado’s mountains is becoming increasingly dangerous right now as rapidly warming temperatures destabilize the snowpack heading into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Denver/Boulder and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, rising daytime temperatures are driving an elevated risk of loose wet and wet slab avalanches, especially during the afternoon hours. Avalanche danger is rated at Level 2 (moderate) to Level 3 (considerable) across much of the central and northern mountains, including areas near Vail, Aspen, Steamboat Springs, and the Front Range peaks west of Denver.
The risk increases sharply after midday as snow softens under intense March sun and unusually warm air, with some lower elevations already losing snowpack stability. Areas in southern Colorado, including near Durango and the San Juan Mountains, are seeing more localized but still notable risks.
Travelers venturing into backcountry terrain along I-70 mountain corridors and popular recreation zones are urged to avoid steep slopes, especially those facing the sun, and to exit avalanche-prone terrain before peak heating between noon and 4 p.m. Officials recommend checking daily avalanche updates and carrying proper safety gear.
This elevated avalanche threat continues through Sunday evening as above-normal temperatures persist. Additional advisories may be issued if warming trends intensify or snowpack conditions further weaken.
