Avalanche Warning through 01/28/2012 12:00 PM   Several factors have combined to push the avalanche danger to HIGH (Level 4):  1) We have a very weak snowpack structure, 2)  0.5 to 0.75 inches of snow water equivalent fell overnight, 3) the new snowfall arrived with strong west to northwest winds, and 4) this new load all came in a less than 12-hour window. Natural avalanches are likely today and human-triggered slides are very likely. Backcountry travel on or below slopes 30 degrees or steeper is not recommended today.  (more)

Yesterday's Forecast:   The new load overnight arrived in a short intense burst of snowfall before the weak snowpack had time to recover from this past weekend's storm. 5 to 8 inches of new snow, and 0.4 to 0.6 inches of water, fell in a 8 to 12 hour period last night. The highest accumulations are from Winter Park south to Loveland Pass. Moderate to strong westerly winds are building fresh wind slabs on easterly aspects. The snowpack will not be be able to handle this rapid new loading. You will be able to easily ...  (more)