Aspen, Colo. – Backcountry travelers face life-threatening avalanche conditions Tuesday, with unstable snow capable of breaking hundreds of feet wide across Colorado’s central and northern mountains.
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, avalanche danger is rated Considerable, or Level 3 out of 5, across the Northern Mountains including areas near Vail Pass, Berthoud Pass, and Rabbit Ears Pass along U.S. 40. The Elk Mountains near Aspen and Crested Butte, as well as Summit County along the Interstate 70 corridor, also remain under heightened concern through Tuesday afternoon. More than 300 avalanches large enough to bury or kill a person have been reported statewide since mid-February.
Triggering a slide remains possible on steep slopes, especially above treeline where recent snow and wind loading have created unstable slabs. In the northern San Juan Mountains, particularly near Red Mountain Pass on U.S. 550, forecasters warn that human-triggered avalanches could break across entire bowls.
Even areas rated Moderate, or Level 2 of 5, still carry serious consequences. Avalanche activity can occur without obvious warning signs such as cracking or collapsing snow.
Anyone traveling near backcountry terrain off Highway 82 near Aspen, I-70 near Silverthorne and Vail, or U.S. 40 near Steamboat Springs should avoid steep slopes steeper than 30 degrees and carry avalanche rescue gear, including a beacon, shovel and probe.
Additional snowfall is expected across the Park Range and northern Front Range through Tuesday evening, which could further stress the snowpack. Avalanche advisories remain in effect statewide, and conditions may shift quickly as new snow accumulates.
