Spring Storm Brings HIGH Avalanche Danger to Front Range Mountains

A spring storm is on track to bring significant snowfall and a dramatic spike in avalanche danger to Colorado’s Northern Mountains, including popular backcountry recreation areas in the Front Range.

Snow is already falling across parts of Colorado, with the heaviest impacts expected Tuesday through early Wednesday. CAIC expects avalanche danger to rise significantly around Rocky Mountain National Park, Berthoud Pass, Loveland Pass, Cameron Pass, and the northern Front Range, where 1 to 2 feet of snow is possible.

With 2 feet of snow and modest winds, Colorado’s northern Front Range will reach HIGH (4 of 5) avalanche danger above treeline (around 11,000 feet or higher), a rare occurrence for May. Natural avalanches are likely, and backcountry travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended in these areas on Wednesday.

The Park Range and Elk Mountains will also see significant snowfall, but with lower total accumulation. Areas with 8 to 15 inches of new snow will reach CONSIDERABLE (Level 3 of 5) avalanche danger on Wednesday. Natural avalanches are possible and human-triggered avalanches are likely on steep slopes.

While it may be late in the snow season, this storm is impacting some of Colorado’s most accessible and heavily traveled backcountry terrain. New snow falling on existing spring snowpack will create dangerous avalanche conditions, particularly near and above treeline.

After the storm, daytime warming and sunshine could quickly shift the main concern from new snow avalanches to wet avalanches, especially in areas that receive the most snow heading into the weekend.

CAIC urges backcountry travelers to check the forecast and adjust plans accordingly. Always carry proper avalanche safety gear, including a transceiver, probe, and shovel, and know how to use them. Avoid avalanche-prone terrain during periods of heightened danger. For the latest avalanche conditions, visit Colorado.gov/avalanche.

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is a state agency within the Department of Natural Resources that is dedicated to public avalanche safety across Colorado. Since 1950, avalanches have killed more people in Colorado than any other natural hazard. Our mission is to provide avalanche information, education and promote research for the protection of life, property and the enhancement of the state’s economy. CAIC supports this mission by providing avalanche safety resources statewide, issuing daily avalanche forecasts during the season for around 28,000 square miles of Colorado’s backcountry terrain, and participating in avalanche research projects to advance snow science. Learn more at Colorado.gov/avalanche.