CAIC Releases 2023-2024 Avalanche Season Summary and Prepares for Upcoming Winter

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) released its avalanche season summary for 2023-24, reporting a total of 5,563 avalanches across the state’s backcountry last winter. This included 120 incidents—a season record for CAIC—with 149 people caught in avalanches, exceeding the 10-year average of 80 incidents and 98 people caught. Tragically, two avalanche fatalities occurred during the season. (Read the full season summary here for more details.)

“The number of multiple-involvement accidents last season is concerning, but we hope it’s an anomaly and not a sign of a trend,” said Ethan Greene, CAIC Director. “Our mission is to protect lives while ensuring people can continue to enjoy Colorado’s beautiful backcountry.”

As the new season begins, CAIC encourages all backcountry travelers to take proactive steps to stay safe.

“Avalanche safety starts with good information,” said Greene. “We want to ensure that people heading into the backcountry have the tools and knowledge they need to stay safe and make informed decisions.”

How to Stay Avalanche-Safe This Season

1. Check the Avalanche Forecast: Before heading into the backcountry, always check the Avalanche Forecast at www.colorado.gov/avalanche (opens in a new tab). The forecast includes the avalanche danger rating, a summary of current avalanche conditions, and travel advice. Understanding and applying this information can help you plan where and when to go.
2. Carry and Use Avalanche Safety Gear: Essential safety gear includes a transceiver (beacon), shovel, and probe. It is critical not only to carry this gear but also to practice using it effectively. Being prepared can make all the difference in the event of an avalanche.
3. Avoid Avalanche Terrain: Most avalanches occur on slopes between 30 and 50 degrees. Those wanting to avoid avalanche terrain should steer clear of these slopes and their runouts. If you plan to travel in avalanche terrain, it is highly recommended to take a course to gain the basic knowledge and skills necessary to navigate these areas safely.

CAIC will continue to build on several key initiatives that were launched last season to enhance avalanche safety information, communication, and research:

• The forecasting team—nearly all of whom are returning, thanks to the transition from temporary to permanent roles—will provide continuity and expertise. Together with the field technicians—a new position created last season—they will focus on strategic data collection and refining forecasting accuracy.
• CAIC is also planning additional improvements to its website and forecasting products this coming season in its ongoing efforts to provide the best and most user-friendly information possible.
• CAIC will continue its collaboration with Simon Fraser University on The Snow Pool, a research project focused on improving avalanche risk communication.
• CAIC will expand its outreach to Colorado’s Spanish-speaking population and continue to develop and translate more educational resources.

These ongoing efforts are part of CAIC’s commitment to ensuring that all backcountry users have the information they need to stay safe.

2023-2024 Avalanche Statistics