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Western Storm Drives Rising Avalanche Danger in Colorado and West-Central Montana

Avalanche centers warn this weekend’s storm will build unstable slabs that warrant avoiding steep, wind-loaded terrain.

Overview

  • Colorado Avalanche Information Center expects danger to climb from Low (Level 1) to Considerable (Level 3) by Sunday after a recent thaw–freeze cycle.
  • CAIC singles out The Park Range as a main concern and urges caution on slopes with more than 8 inches of new or wind-drifted snow.
  • CAIC says wind slabs can be triggered where at least 6 inches of freshly drifted snow has accumulated.
  • West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation reports new wind slabs and warns some avalanches could break deeper on buried weak layers, producing larger slides.
  • Forecasts point to snowfall favoring Wolf Creek and Cumbres Pass as danger rises through Sunday, and officials advise watching for cracking or collapsing and carrying rescue gear.