Denver, CO — A new round of snow combined with strong winds is expected to significantly increase avalanche danger in Colorado’s high country this weekend, prompting safety warnings for backcountry users near the Denver area and beyond.
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), snowfall will intensify Friday night into Saturday, December 20, with 8 to 12 inches or more possible in the Park Range and Northern Front Range mountains. Strong winds are forecast to accompany the storm, creating widespread drifting and unstable snow conditions.
CAIC officials say that if forecast snowfall totals are reached, avalanche danger will rise to CONSIDERABLE in the Park Range, with the potential for large avalanches on steep, wind-loaded slopes. In other northern mountain zones, avalanche danger is expected to remain MODERATE, though conditions may change rapidly depending on local snowfall and wind exposure.
The storm marks a shift away from generally safer avalanche conditions seen recently, replacing them with fresh wind-drifted slabs, which are particularly dangerous and often difficult to detect. Experts advise avoiding drifted terrain, especially where more than one foot of new or drifting snow accumulates.
Snowfall could also extend into the Elk Mountains and Northern Sawatch Range, increasing the risk of wind slab avalanches in those areas. Regions south of Highway 50 are expected to see less impact from this system.
CAIC notes that areas highlighted in red on forecast maps indicate 10 or more inches of snow and winds exceeding 50 mph, conditions that are especially favorable for avalanche formation.
Outdoor enthusiasts are urged to keep plans conservative, check daily avalanche forecasts, and be prepared to adjust or cancel trips. Forecasters say this system may mark the beginning of a snowier pattern heading into next week.
Up-to-date avalanche forecasts and safety guidance are available at colorado.gov/avalanche.
