Spike in people caught in avalanches cause for concern heading into weekend with increased avalanche danger

DENVER—Since last Thursday, March 21, 19 people have been caught in 17 avalanches in the northern San Juan Mountains, Elk Mountains, Gore Range, and Rocky Mountain National Park, with three people partially buried and one person fully buried. Between Wednesday and Thursday alone, eight people were caught in seven avalanches.

“The increasing number of people recently caught in avalanches is concerning—especially as we head into a weekend with fresh snow and Considerable avalanche danger. The increased avalanche danger means there is an even greater chance of triggering an avalanche and it could be bigger than previous days,” said CAIC Director Ethan Greene. “Thankfully, no one has been seriously injured or worse. We want everyone to enjoy our wonderful public lands and go home alive and well to their family and friends.”

CAIC has recorded more than 5,000 avalanches so far this season, with 102 people caught, 37 people partially buried, 6 people fully buried, and 14 people injured in avalanches this winter. Tragically, two people have been killed in avalanches this season.

“Many of the recent incidents were in steep, consequential terrain. It might be late March and officially spring, but we still have winter avalanche conditions. People should be making travel plans based on the current snowpack - not the calendar,” said Greene. “We need everyone headed into the backcountry to check the avalanche forecast and make sure your plan for the day fits the current avalanche conditions.”

In Colorado, people recreating in the backcountry must be mindful of the risks that winter weather and constantly shifting weather patterns can present. Dangerous weather conditions that raise concerns are unpredictable, such as strong wind gusts, heavy snow storms, cold water temperatures, and avalanches. Below are outdoor recreation and avalanche safety tips to help you recreate responsibly. Avalanches happen in Colorado, so planning and monitoring the weather will ensure the safest time possible.

Avalanche Safety Tips:

• Check the forecast (www.colorado.gov/avalanche (opens in a new tab))
• Get some training (article, online material, evening to multi-day class)
• Be prepared (regarding avalanches, carry avalanche transceiver, probe pole, and shovel)

For more information about CAIC’s education resources page, visit https://avalanche.state.co.us/education/resources (opens in a new tab). To support avalanche safety programs in Colorado, Colorado residents can get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with their vehicle registration through the DMV. For more information, visit cpw.info/keepcoloradowild (opens in a new tab).