Durango, Colorado – Backcountry routes across the San Juan Mountains and Park Range could turn life-threatening by 9 a.m. Wednesday as heavy snow and strong winds rapidly overload an already fragile snowpack.
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, an Avalanche Watch is in effect from 9 a.m. Wednesday through 5 p.m. Friday for the San Juans of southwest Colorado and the Park Range in north-central parts of the state. Avalanche danger is expected to rise to HIGH (4 of 5) as snowfall intensifies and wind gusts transport snow into steep start zones.
Communities near Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, and Steamboat Springs sit closest to the most avalanche-prone terrain. Forecasters warn that large avalanches will be easy to trigger, and some slides may release naturally as new snow accumulates and wind slabs build on slopes steeper than 30 degrees.
Travel in backcountry avalanche terrain is not recommended during this period. Avoid traveling on or beneath steep slopes, and reconsider snowmobiling or backcountry skiing plans through Friday afternoon. Additional advisories may follow if snow totals exceed projections or winds strengthen further.
