Colorado Backcountry Travel Not Advised Right Now

Right now, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center says the Grand Mesa and surrounding backcountry are volatile, with a high risk for avalanche danger over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Snowpack instability, along with fresh snow and strong winds, has forecasters warning about a high level of avalanche danger. Keep scrolling to see which zones are most at risk heading into this weekend.

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Storm + Weak Snowpack = Trouble

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When fresh snowfall adds weight to a snowpack that has not bonded well to the layers beneath it, you can usually expect a spike in avalanche danger. This is exactly what the snowfall over the last couple of days has done on the Grand Mesa, the San Juans, and in several other mountainous areas of Western Colorado this week. A strong storm is still bringing snow and high winds to the high country today, creating wind and snow slabs that are prime for breaking loose. These conditions make it more likely for hikers and skiers to trigger avalanches.

Targeted Danger in Colorado’s Mountain Zones

It's hard to find an area in Colorado’s West or Central mountains that is not part of a “high risk” area for avalanches heading into the weekend. Key backcountry zones in Western Colorado that are flagged for avalanche danger include the Grand Mesa, Flat Tops, Elkhead Mountains, West Elk Mountains, and San Juan Mountains. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center says these zones could be a Level 4 (High) through Friday into the weekend. If you are traveling through the mountains, check the information center for updates to the danger level in each zone.

What High Avalanche Danger Means

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When avalanche dangers are great, large slides can be triggered by just one lone skier, snowboarder, or snowmobiler. With these conditions, avalanche slides can run a long distance without warning. Skiers, snowmobiles, and snowshoers above the treeline, and anyone on steep slopes, could start a slide. Experts recommend carrying essential rescue gear such as beacons and shovels.