Colorado Avalanche Information Center Issues Rare October Warning: Fall Storm Brings Avalanche Danger
Halloween has not yet arrived, but Colorado's avalanche forecasters are already warning backcountry travelers to take care. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) posted a warning on social media on October 22, saying a large storm sweeping across Colorado has created avalanche hazards on steep, snow-loaded slopes.
CAIC's daily avalanche forecasts do not formally begin until November 1, but the center issued a road-conditions update early. 'It's still October, but avalanche danger is developing on steep, snow-covered slopes as a large storm moves through,' the warning said. The center noted that rain falling on snow on Thursday (October 22) could trigger wet avalanches; as temperatures drop and the snow line lowers, areas above treeline will see snowfall, with the San Juan Mountains expecting 6 to 12 inches by Friday morning and possibly more over the weekend, and small dry avalanches possible where snow has accumulated or been blown into cornices.
CAIC advised: 'Heading into the high country this weekend? Choose lower-angle routes and avoid steep snow-covered slopes, especially in wind-loaded areas where the snow is deep enough to cover the ground. Even small avalanches can carry you into rocks.' Meteorologist Chris Tomer noted that the freezing level during the storm is around 13,000 feet but is expected to fall. According to the National Weather Service, ski areas such as Arapahoe Basin and Keystone are forecast to receive snow on Saturday and Sunday. CAIC said it will continue issuing updates as conditions change before the November 1 start of daily forecasts.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 科罗拉多州圣胡安山脉雪峰 / Snow-covered peaks of the San Juan Mountains, Colorado — Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
