San Juan Mountains, CO – A small but concerning human-triggered avalanche near Red Mountain Pass on Tuesday has prompted renewed attention to rapidly changing early-season snow conditions across Colorado’s high country. The incident, reported by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), occurred on an east-northeast-facing slope above 12,000 feet, where fresh wind-loaded snow had settled on top of older, firmer layers.
CAIC noted that while overall danger levels remain LOW in most zones, conditions are shifting quickly due to recent wind events and a new storm pattern approaching later this week.
Wind-Loaded Slopes Creating Instability
According to CAIC’s detailed discussion, strong winds over the past several days have contributed to the formation of wind slab avalanches — cohesive, heavy drifts that can be easily triggered by a single skier, rider, or hiker. These slabs are most concerning on north-facing terrain above treeline, particularly in steep, exposed locations.
Forecasters identified several regions where unstable layers exist or are developing, including:
- The northern San Juan Mountains
- The West Elk Mountains
- The Park Range
These slabs typically form when sustained winds push new snow across ridgelines, depositing it onto slopes that already contain firm, older snow. When a person adds weight to the surface, a crack can propagate, causing the slab to slide.
Conditions Expected to Shift Again This Week
Forecasters warn that the current stability picture will not remain steady for long. A new weather system is expected to move into Colorado beginning Thursday, bringing fresh snow and increasing the likelihood of natural and human-triggered avalanches.
In its evolving forecast, CAIC notes that increasing snow accumulation will “add complexity” to the snowpack heading into the weekend. Even a modest amount of new snow can dramatically change avalanche risk when layered over fragile surfaces or wind-loaded zones.
Why Early-Season Snow Is Especially Unpredictable
Early winter often produces some of the most unpredictable avalanche conditions. Shallow snowpacks, patches of bare ground, and recent freeze–thaw cycles create weak, faceted layers that can persist for weeks. When wind or new snowfall adds weight, these fragile layers can collapse suddenly.
Backcountry users should keep in mind several early-season factors:
- Steep slopes above 30 degrees where smooth, rounded wind drifts form are more prone to sliding.
- High alpine terrain may look safe due to thin coverage but can hide weak, sugary layers beneath.
- Recent storms and strong temperature gradients can destabilise older snow faster than expected.
Forecasters Urge Caution for Backcountry Travel
With more storms approaching, CAIC continues to urge anyone heading into the mountains this week to use heightened caution. Even a “small” slide can knock a skier or rider off balance, carry them into rocks, or sweep them into terrain traps filled with early-season hazards.
Backcountry users are encouraged to:
- Check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center’s zone forecasts each morning.
- Travel with a partner and carry standard avalanche rescue gear.
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded slopes, especially those showing cracking or drum-like sounds underfoot.
- Evaluate terrain carefully and choose lower-angle routes when stability is uncertain.
What This Means for Upcoming Weekend Trips
With snow on the way and crowds expected to increase as winter recreation ramps up, even minor slides can create larger problems. CAIC’s forecast indicates that this weekend could see rapidly increasing danger, especially if new snow layers bond poorly with older surfaces.
Avalanche professionals emphasise that early-season accidents often occur when people underestimate conditions because the snowpack looks thin. In reality, thin snow often creates the weakest layers.
Forecasters recommend adjusting plans accordingly and monitoring forecasts as the weather system arrives.
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