Avalanche Weekly Summary - December 20, 2024
Northern Mountains
Strong westerly winds dominated the week, forming thick slabs on easterly slopes. Snowfall varied across the region, dropping up to 12 inches in the Park and Front Ranges, while other areas accumulated 3 to 8 inches. Avalanche activity increased, with 22 avalanches reported, including four large enough to bury a person (D2). Ten of these were human-triggered. Notable incidents include two avalanches involving three people, one on Kelso Mountain and the other near Berthoud Pass—fortunately, no injuries were reported. Slopes sheltered from wind remain safer, while steep, wind-loaded terrain is the most dangerous.s.
Central Mountains
A small storm last weekend delivered 2 to 8 inches of snow, which buried a prominent weak layer that will be a concern for future storms. Stiff slabs, up to 2 feet thick, formed in areas with deeper snowfall, like the Ruby and Ragged Ranges. Observers reported 18 small avalanches, including both loose and slab types, on north through east-facing slopes. Loose Dry avalanches are a concern on steep slopes in wind-sheltered terrain—especially as temperatures rise.
Southern Mountains
High pressure continues to dominate the current weather pattern. People have reported buried surface hoar in areas like Ophir, the Cimarron Range, and north of Silverton. This week’s avalanche activity included small avalanches, primarily in wind-drifted terrain. The avalanche danger in the Southern Mountains was LOW throughout most of the week, reflecting that most slopes are generally safe.
Heading Into the Weekend
There are two types of avalanche problems to manage this weekend, depending on where you plan to travel: Persistent Slab (old and new) and Loose Dry avalanches. In the Northern Mountains, you can avoid most avalanche issues if you avoid steep wind-drifted slopes near ridgetop. Avoid steep wind-loaded terrain and monitor changes. Loose avalanches on steep slopes are a growing concern. Avalanches triggered would be small, but even a small avalanche can be dangerous in the wrong terrain.
