Denver, CO – A powerful early-winter storm is bringing heavy snow and strong winds across Colorado today, creating dangerous to extreme avalanche conditions in several mountain zones, according to a Saturday update from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC).
According to CAIC, Avalanche Warnings are now in effect for the Park Range and Gore Range, where large natural avalanches are expected and human-triggered slides remain highly likely. The agency urges backcountry travelers to fully avoid avalanche terrain in these northern areas through the weekend.
Elsewhere in the Northern Mountains, CAIC reports high avalanche danger above treeline. Heavy snow and strong winds are rapidly loading steep slopes, with increased risk both above treeline and on wind-loaded features just below it.
In the Central Mountains, including the Ruby Range and Ragged Range, danger levels are also elevated. CAIC lists high danger in alpine zones and considerable danger near and above treeline in many surrounding areas. New snowfall is reportedly stacking onto weak early-season layers, creating a sudden increase in instability.
The Southern Mountains are facing considerable danger in the northwest San Juan Mountains and moderate danger across other locations. Although southern ranges are receiving less snow than northern zones, CAIC notes that wind-loaded slopes can still avalanche when new snow piles onto buried weak layers.
Officials also highlighted key warning signs that can indicate imminent avalanche risk: fresh wind drifts, shooting cracks, collapsing, or audible “whumphing.” Anyone encountering these red flags is urged to move to lower-angle slopes under 30 degrees and avoid terrain traps, runouts, and slopes above treeline.
Backcountry users can view detailed zone forecasts at Colorado.gov/avalanche.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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