The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is cautioning backcountry users to prioritize avalanche safety during the Presidents' Day weekend. The agency anticipates avalanche danger to be at its highest level this month, coinciding with a period historically prone to avalanche incidents, according to the CAIC.
Across Colorado's Northern and Central mountains, the avalanche danger is rated as CONSIDERABLE (Level 3 out of 5) and is expected to remain high throughout the weekend. The CAIC reports that even a small amount of additional weight from backcountry travelers could trigger avalanches in new storm snow. In some areas, avalanches could break into deeper, weaker layers of snow.
An additional round of snowfall on Friday is expected to further increase avalanche danger in the Southern Mountains as the holiday weekend progresses, according to the CAIC. Areas with the most snowfall on Thursday and Friday are likely to be the most dangerous on Saturday and Sunday.
Backcountry travelers are strongly encouraged to:
- Check the daily avalanche forecast at Colorado.gov/avalanche before heading out.
- Avoid avalanche-prone terrain when the danger is elevated.
- Carry avalanche rescue equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) and know how to use it.
CAIC forecasters emphasize that the combination of fresh snow, improving weather conditions, and increased backcountry traffic can rapidly increase the risk of avalanche accidents. February is statistically the deadliest month for avalanches in Colorado. The CAIC reports that over the past decade, 10 avalanche accidents have resulted in 13 fatalities around Presidents' Day weekend.
Ethan Greene, Director of the CAIC, stated that holiday weekends bring more people into the backcountry precisely when avalanche danger is on the rise. He advises everyone to plan ahead, check the forecast, and ensure that everyone in their group has the necessary training and rescue equipment to enjoy the weekend and return home safely. The CAIC provides the latest forecasts, advisories, and safety information at Colorado.gov/avalanche.
