Denver, CO – Avalanche danger across Colorado remains mostly LOW heading into the weekend, but increasing snowfall and wind will begin to shift conditions—particularly at higher elevations—according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC).
CAIC reports that most mountain zones are holding low danger ratings for Saturday, with one key exception: above-treeline terrain in the Park Range, where danger has increased to MODERATE. Forecasters say the Park Range is likely to experience the earliest and most noticeable jump in instability as storms arrive.
A new storm system moves into the state late Friday into Saturday, marking the first in a multi-day series expected to continue through Sunday and into early next week. As fresh snow accumulates and winds strengthen, CAIC warns that danger levels could rise further by Monday across additional mountain ranges.
Backcountry travelers should watch for new wind-drifted snow near high ridgelines—typically forming smooth, rounded, firm pillows of snow. CAIC advises avoiding these features and sticking to mellower, lower-angle terrain.
In the Southern Mountains, small avalanches are possible on steep, shaded slopes carrying deeper early-season snowpacks. Warning signs such as cracking or “whumphing” sounds indicate unstable snow and should prompt backcountry users to immediately move to safer terrain.
Forecast maps also highlight the potential for fresh drifts building throughout the weekend as repeating snow bands cross the state. Early-season hazards—rocks, logs, and shallowly buried obstacles—remain a major factor even where avalanche danger is technically low.
CAIC encourages anyone heading into the backcountry to monitor updated forecasts, carry proper avalanche gear, and keep decision-making conservative as conditions evolve.
