Thousands of avalanches occur each winter in the mountains of Colorado. With the enormous popularity of winter sports in Colorado, this poses a risk to skiers, snowboarders, hikers and snowmobilers. On average six people die in avalanches in the State of Colorado every year. Anyone who travels into the high country in the winter should be prepared for avalanches and know how to avoid them.
The first thing to know is most avalanches occur during or just after snowstorms and most occur on a slope of 30 to 45 degrees. A significant snowfall may result in an unstable snow pack. By waiting 36 hours after a big snowstorm you may allow the snow to become more stable. If you stay in valleys away from avalanche chutes, in stands of dense trees, or on gentle slopes you can minimize your avalanche risk.
If you are a skier or snowboarder at a commercial ski area there is little danger of avalanches. However respect their rules and do not stray out of bounds. Ski areas work to reduce the danger from avalanches within their bounded terrain, but out of bounds a serious avalanche risk may exist. Minimize your risk by staying in bounds.
If you want to enjoy the great outdoors in areas prone to avalanches, you can minimize the danger by following a few simple rules.
Check the current avalanche forecast to get information on current
and forecast avalanche conditions. Also check the latest weather
forecast to see if conditions are likely to change while you are in
the back country.
Never travel alone. Always have one or more companions.
Even small avalanches can be fatal. If you are alone and get
trapped you may not be found until spring.
If crossing a slope that may be prone to avalanches...do it
one person at a time. You want to minimize the impact on
your party if an avalanche is accidentally released.
In avalanche country all members of your party should carry
avalanche rescue equipment including an avalanche beacon, shovel
and probe pole. This increases your chances of effecting a
successful rescue and finding your friends alive.
Avalanche conditions in Colorado are monitored and forecasted by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, CAIC. You can get more information on avalanches and avalanche safety from CAIC. Their number is 303-499-9650 or go to their internet site at http://avalanche.state.co.us
Now is the time to get prepared for winter so you can safely enjoy the outdoors and travel safely when the snow flies.
Information provided by the Boulder/Denver National Weather Service Forecast Office. Additional information on winter weather preparedness and current weather conditions can be found at www.weather.gov.
Information provided by the Boulder/Denver National Weather Service Forecast Office. Additional information on winter weather preparedness and current weather conditions can be found at www.weather.gov.
