Avalanche danger has climbed to a high level for Summit County, Vail area and Front Range mountains after storms
Officials say backcountry travelers need to be conservative in where they choose to go into late this week
Hugh Carey
Avalanche danger has climbed to a high level in the Vail area, Summit County and Front Range mountains after a series of holiday-weekend snowstorms that pounded the high county.
“Localized, heavier-than-expected snowfall and strong winds have resulted in a rapid increase in the avalanche danger particularly in areas east of Vail Pass,” the Colorado Avalanche Information Center said in a bulletin Monday. “Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist in all above treeline areas. Travel in and below avalanche terrain is not recommended at this time.”
Avalanche forecasters say the snowpack is weak after an extended period of dry conditions and warm weather followed by the powerful storms that slammed into Colorado on Saturday and were expected to taper off late Christmas Day.
“It is not a matter of if we will see larger avalanches,” the CAIC forecasters said. “It is really a matter of exactly how much new and wind-deposited snow it will take to tip the balance. It is time to pay attention to the potential for larger avalanches on all steep slopes. Dangerous avalanche conditions will continue to exist as long as we see daily small, incremental loads to the snowpack.”
Read the full story on denverpost.com
WARNING: Snowfall & strong winds created very dangerous avy conditions Travel in avy terrain not recommended. https://t.co/TfP7PWuk2j
— CAIC Vail and Summit (@CAICsummit) December 26, 2017
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
As a Summit Daily News reader, you make our work possible.
Now more than ever, your financial support is critical to help us keep our communities informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having on our residents and businesses. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference.
Your donation will be used exclusively to support quality, local journalism.
Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil.
If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.
User Legend: Moderator
Trusted User