If you have turned on the local news lately, you may have noticed an increase in avalanches and other extreme weather conditions and may be wondering if there are more than usual or if you are just imagining it. We are here to tell you that your mind isn’t playing tricks on you, as Colorado is experiencing more avalanches this year than ever before:
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, the Centennial State’s 2020/2021 snowpack is the worst it has been since 2012, making for dangerous conditions throughout the state.
Flickr/Dawn Ellner
Thanks to multiple storms throughout the year, weak layers of snow have been continuing to accumulate and build, making for unprecedented and dangerous conditions.
Flickr/Fabio Tinelli Roncalli
According to the CAIC, November 2020 alone produced 141 avalanches, citing 3 separate storm events and 7 people caught in the slides.
Flickr/Washington State Dept of Transportation
Sadly, November 2020 was not the worst of the avalanche activity, as the CAIC reported an avalanche-related fatality on December 26th near First Creek (in an area also known as Chimney Chute).
Flickr/Washington State Dept of Transportation
If you plan to venture out this winter, the CAIC recommends getting the forecast before you go, especially since most backcountry areas are currently rated as a moderate threat.
Flickr/Alan Grinberg
For more information on current conditions and safety tips, please visit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center’s website.
Flickr/michael bamford
To learn even more about Colorado’s 2020/2021 avalanche season, check out this video from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center:
Flickr/Maureen Barlin
Do you have a favorite attraction that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Remember to nominate it here! To learn more about avalanches around the Centennial State, check out These Are The 5 Worst And Deadliest Avalanches In Colorado History, and Here Are The 11 Most Dangerous Things About A Colorado Winter.
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Address: Colorado, USA
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, the Centennial State’s 2020/2021 snowpack is the worst it has been since 2012, making for dangerous conditions throughout the state.
Flickr/Dawn Ellner
Thanks to multiple storms throughout the year, weak layers of snow have been continuing to accumulate and build, making for unprecedented and dangerous conditions.
Flickr/Fabio Tinelli Roncalli
According to the CAIC, November 2020 alone produced 141 avalanches, citing 3 separate storm events and 7 people caught in the slides.
Flickr/Washington State Dept of Transportation
Sadly, November 2020 was not the worst of the avalanche activity, as the CAIC reported an avalanche-related fatality on December 26th near First Creek (in an area also known as Chimney Chute).
Flickr/Washington State Dept of Transportation
If you plan to venture out this winter, the CAIC recommends getting the forecast before you go, especially since most backcountry areas are currently rated as a moderate threat.
Flickr/Alan Grinberg
For more information on current conditions and safety tips, please visit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center’s website.
Flickr/michael bamford
To learn even more about Colorado’s 2020/2021 avalanche season, check out this video from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center:
Flickr/Maureen Barlin
Do you have a favorite attraction that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Remember to nominate it here! To learn more about avalanches around the Centennial State, check out These Are The 5 Worst And Deadliest Avalanches In Colorado History, and Here Are The 11 Most Dangerous Things About A Colorado Winter.
Flickr/Dawn Ellner
Flickr/Fabio Tinelli Roncalli
Flickr/Washington State Dept of Transportation
Flickr/Alan Grinberg
Flickr/michael bamford
Flickr/Maureen Barlin
