Over the past weekend, five people survived dangerous avalanches across Colorado’s popular backcountry regions. Despite the snowpack sitting near historic lows, the risks from avalanches remain prevalent. Recent reports from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) highlight multiple incidents, none of which resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.
Incidents Across Colorado’s Backcountry
On January 10, 2025, several incidents were recorded in areas including Vail, Summit County, and Rocky Mountain National Park. The CAIC has rated avalanche danger as “moderate” in many of these regions. Here are some notable events:
- East Vail: A skier and snowboarder ventured from Vail Mountain to Timber Fall. One skier was caught in a slide and pinned against a tree, but she managed to alert her partner that she was okay.
- Hallett Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park: Two out of three skiers were caught in subsequent slides. One experienced a dislocated shoulder while managing to hold onto a tree, preventing complete burial.
- Jones Pass: A skier was caught and carried approximately 50 yards in an avalanche but managed to remain on the surface and walk away unharmed.
- Mount Trelease: Another skier was caught in a slide and carried about 35 yards. Fortunately, they dig themselves out without serious consequence.
Avalanche Danger Assessment
According to CAIC Deputy Director Brian Lazar, avalanche danger varies throughout the state. He noted that while the presence of a persistent slab problem complicates conditions, the danger level is expected to slowly decline due to the forecast of minimal snowfall in the coming week. This persistent situation can maintain risk levels across various regions.
Understanding the Persistent Slab Problem
A persistent slab problem occurs when weak layers in the snowpack are buried beneath additional snow layers. Lazar emphasized that these conditions can linger for an extended period:
- The likelihood of triggering avalanches will gradually decrease.
- However, potential consequences from such avalanches remain unchanged.
Overall, while conditions allow for recreational activities in the backcountry, safety should be the primary concern. It is essential for all outdoor enthusiasts to consult avalanche forecasts before heading into varied terrain, particularly those susceptible to avalanches.
