The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has resumed daily avalanche forecasts for mountain ranges statewide.
The forecasts help backcountry users – including skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers and snowshoers – assess the risk of triggering an avalanche.
“CAIC has the danger rating scale, which gives you a sense of whether the danger is rated low all the way up to extreme,” said CAIC spokeswoman Theresa Blake Graven. “There’s five levels so that can give people a sense of whether or not they should stick to (ski areas) or less consequential terrain, but it also points out what the avalanche problems might be in the snowpack.”
Graven said Colorado’s snowpack is often dangerous because of the types of weather the state receives.
“We have lots of sun, lots of snow and lots of wind,” Graven said. “So it’s just important to be aware that those conditions do change very quickly, and that the CAIC forecasters are dedicated every day to updating those conditions, and letting people know what’s going on so you can get those daily forecasts.”
Avalanches occur when three factors come together: snow, a slope steeper than 30 degrees and a trigger. Graven said even 8 inches of snow can slide, but the most important factor is the trigger – such as snowfall, wind or a person stepping on the slope.
“Snowfall could trigger an avalanche, but also what we think about more in backcountry travel is a human trigger,” Graven said. “So by following the forecast, you can learn how to navigate and not be that trigger – what to avoid and what to pay attention to.”
Avalanches kill more people in Colorado than any other natural hazard, with more than 100 incidents reported annually, according to CAIC. The CAIC also works with the Colorado Department of Transportation to assess conditions and reduce risk to maintenance workers and the traveling public.
“Avalanche forecasts are essential tools for safe travel in Colorado’s mountains,” CAIC Director Ethan Greene said in the release. “We want everyone – from first-time snowshoers, skiers and snowmobilers to seasoned professionals – to start their day with the forecast. The most important part of planning any day in the backcountry is to start with good information on snow, weather and avalanche conditions.”
Graven agreed, adding that even though the state has seen little snowfall so far, those seeking to make turns or travel through the mountains should be aware that avalanches can occur.
“We’re really telling people to pay attention to conditions if you are out there doing any early season touring or hiking, being aware that if you were to slip or get knocked off your feet, you can take a ride through some rocks or other obstacles,” Graven said. “Save your gear and your energy until there’s more snow out there.”
CAIC forecasters also issue a summarized weather forecast by 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day that covers the next 48 hours with emphasis on conditions that will have an immediate impact on avalanche danger – such as snowfall, wind and sun.
“Weather forecasts from the CAIC and National Weather Service are posted on the homepage and updated four times daily,” the release said.
CAIC recommends that anyone traveling through the mountains check the avalanche forecast before every trip at colorado.gov/avalanche and CAIC’s mobile app.
sedmondson@durangoherald.com
