Avalanche Warning Issued for Northern Colorado as Weekend Storm Approaches - SnowBrains

"The Colorado Avalanche Information Center issued an Avalanche Warning late Friday for parts of the state's Northern Mountains ahead of a powerful winter storm expected to intensify through Saturday. The alert, posted at 4:30 p.m. on December 5, urges backcountry travelers to avoid avalanche terrain in the affected regions from Friday night into the weekend. The warning covers the Park Range, including the Steamboat and Buffalo Pass area, as well as the Gore Range from Vail Pass north into Summit County."

"Colorado has seen 139 avalanches reported statewide over the past week, an early-season total that demonstrates the instability already present on many slopes. Forecasters said additional snow and wind will build fresh slabs on steep, leeward terrain, rapidly increasing the likelihood of large, destructive avalanches. An Avalanche Warning signals that hazard levels have reached HIGH or EXTREME in at least two elevation bands, meaning natural avalanches are occurring or expected, and human-triggered slides are very likely."

An Avalanche Warning covers parts of Colorado's Northern Mountains, including the Park Range (Steamboat and Buffalo Pass) and the Gore Range from Vail Pass into Summit County, as a powerful winter storm intensifies. Very dangerous avalanche conditions are expected as new snowfall combines with strong winds, building fresh slabs on steep, leeward terrain and raising the chance of large, destructive avalanches. Colorado reported 139 avalanches statewide over the past week, indicating unstable slopes. Travelers should stay off steep slopes and runouts, watch for red flags like recent avalanches or 'whumpfing,' and favor lower-angle terrain under 30 degrees.

Read at SnowBrains