Avalanche Weekly Summary - January 9, 2025
Northern Mountains
Over the past week, the Northern Mountains received 6 to 18 inches of snow, with winds early in the week creating drifting. Avalanche activity included 39 avalanches larger than D1 and one or more human-triggered avalanches size D2 or larger almost every day. Notably, three people were caught and partially buried in avalanches.
Central Mountains
The Central Mountains saw 1 to 2 feet of snow that accumulated slowly over the week. The avalanche conditions remained dangerous, with human-triggered avalanches reported every day. Avalanches remained large in size, with 28 avalanches greater than D1. Four people were caught in avalanches on Shrine Mountain, East Vail chutes, Kebler Pass, and Mt Axtell.
Southern Mountains
The Southern Mountains received minimal snowfall, with only 5 to7 inches reported in the northwest San Juan Mountains. Despite the lighter snow, there were almost daily human-triggered avalanches ranging in size from D1.5 to D2. Tragically, the region saw Colorado’s first avalanche fatality of the season on Red Mountain Pass (see the preliminary report here). Additionally, a full burial occurred at Champion Gulch that ended in a miraculous rescue, and one backcountry skier was caught and carried while skinning under Trico Peak.
Heading Into the Weekend
Avalanche conditions remain dangerous across much of the state on most steep slopes. Even the areas that are at MODERATE (2 of 5) avalanche danger are at the scary end of Moderate because of the size and unpredictability of avalanches. Though signs of instability are decreasing, people continue to remotely trigger avalanches. Don’t be lured out onto steep slopes, and remember that tracks on a slope don't indicate stability. Conservative route choices and cautious decision-making are critical to minimize the risk of large avalanches, which could bury or kill you.
