CAIC Shares Findings on 2026 Backcountry Decision-Making Survey

As another snow season comes to a close in Colorado, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is sharing findings from a 2026 backcountry decision-making survey. The survey examined how backcountry users made decisions during an extended period of dangerous avalanche conditions this winter.

Following an unusually warm and dry start to the season, a series of storms beginning Feb. 11 brought heavy snowfall and strong winds, creating unstable avalanche conditions across Colorado’s mountains. For 18 consecutive days, avalanche danger remained at CONSIDERABLE (3 of 5) or higher, including five days rated HIGH (4 of 5).

During this period, avalanches were large and could be triggered remotely from distances of up to 1,000 feet. The cycle also coincided with several fatal avalanche accidents in other Western states. In response, CAIC issued a combination of Avalanche Watches and Warnings, Special Avalanche Advisories, and increased public messaging through media outreach and social media platforms.

Eight people were caught in avalanches in Colorado during the 18-day cycle, and no fatalities were reported during that period. Colorado later recorded its first avalanche fatality of the 2025-26 season on March 7, when a solo backcountry skier was killed near Vail Pass.

In March, CAIC surveyed backcountry users to better understand how people accessed information and made decisions during February’s high-risk period. The survey, conducted between March 5 and March 21, 2026, collected 357 responses through CAIC’s Snow Pool research project and other channels.

Among respondents who traveled or planned to travel in the backcountry during February, 92% reported that avalanche conditions influenced their plans. Many reported making more conservative decisions, including choosing terrain with lower avalanche danger, staying on slopes less than 30 degrees, and avoiding specific aspects or elevations.

CAIC resources were the most commonly used tools for trip planning, with 81% of respondents using the CAIC website. The mobile app, CAIC social media, and media coverage also played an important role in public awareness.

The findings suggest that clear, consistent communication across CAIC’s avalanche forecast products, digital platforms, social media channels, and news media helped backcountry users understand the changing conditions and make more conservative decisions during a high-consequence period.

Anyone who spends time in Colorado’s snow covered mountains is encouraged to sign up for the Snow Pool. Read the full Feb conditions survey results here.

Summer 2026 Conditions Update

Although daily backcountry avalanche forecasts end on June 1, CAIC will update the forecast anytime there is a significant change in avalanche conditions. Avalanches remain possible in Colorado’s mountains whenever there is snow on a steep slope, including in spring and summer. Backcountry travelers should continue to monitor weather, evaluate snow conditions, and consider the consequences of being caught in even a small avalanche before crossing steep, snow-covered terrain.