Utah and Colorado — Fresh powder blankets steep slopes this morning, but beneath that soft surface lies a dangerous setup.
Heavy snowfall and strong winds have overloaded weak layers in the snowpack. Avalanche danger is rated HIGH across much of Utah’s mountains and several Colorado ranges. Natural avalanches are likely. Human-triggered slides are also likely.
In southeast Utah, an Avalanche Warning is in effect from 6 a.m. today through 6 a.m. Friday for the Abajo/Blue Mountains. The snowpack has become unstable after recent storms stacked dense snow over fragile layers.
Across northern, central, southwestern, and southeastern Utah — including the Abajo Range — a Backcountry Avalanche Warning continues through early Friday. Southeastern Idaho is also included. Experts urge backcountry travelers to avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Stay out from underneath avalanche paths.
Colorado’s Avalanche Warning remains in effect through today for the Flat Tops, Gore Range, Sawatch, Elk Mountains, Grand Mesa, Park Range, and San Juan Mountains. Danger is rated High (4 of 5). Large avalanches may release naturally. Triggering one could be easy on wind-loaded terrain.
Travel in backcountry avalanche terrain is not recommended. Even experienced riders face serious risk. Ski resorts conducting mitigation are not included in the warning.
Conditions may slowly stabilize heading into the weekend as snowfall decreases. However, lingering weak layers could remain reactive. A gradual warming trend is possible into early next week, but warming can also increase avalanche activity during the day.
If you head into the mountains, carry avalanche rescue gear and know how to use it.
