The Colorado Avalanche Information Center is reporting hazardous avalanche conditions because of the dry season.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is reporting a considerable risk of avalanches in the Colorado backcountry this season. The alert is a surprise to many since snow totals are at a record low this month.
In the past two weeks, there have been more than 600 avalanches in the state, two of which were fatal. On December 18, two backcountry skiers triggered a large avalanche near Ophir Pass. They were buried in the snow. Just a day later, a backcountry skier was caught in a mid-sized avalanche near Ohio Pass. Everyone injured or killed in recent avalanches were experienced, backcountry skiers.
It's not just large amounts of snow that can cause avalanches. A dry spell in November forced the existing snowpack to separate more than usual. The separated snowpack is faceted with soft snow and can't support the building layers of new snow.
The CAIC predicts avalanche danger to heighten as more snow falls and more skiers head out to the backcountry. To help raise awareness and educate skiers before they go, the CAIC offers a free avalanche awareness program that teaches the hazards of avalanches, how to avoid them, and what to do if you get caught.
Experts are worried more inexperienced backcountry skiers will be heading to the mountains, looking for something to do during the pandemic. Before heading out, educate yourself on avalanche safety and what to do in an emergency. As always, check the reports in the region you're heading to using the CAIC website or their Facebook page. Take an avalanche safety class at a Colorado ski resort, and know the warning signs of a potential avalanche, and avoid that area at all costs:
- Significantly warmer temperatures
- Large amounts of windblown snow
- Areas with weak snowpack layers
- Regions with recent avalanches
- Collapsing snow and hollow sounds
- Significant snowfall the day before
Also, be sure to bring proper rescue gear in case of an emergency:
- Beacon
- Probe
- Shovel
- Assessment Tools (slope meters, snow cards, thermometers, etc.)
- Avalung breathing system
What gear do you bring backcountry skiing? Let us know in the comments below.
