It is May, but Colorado’s mountains are sending a dangerous reminder that winter is not done yet. A powerful spring storm has buried parts of the state under heavy snowfall this week, and officials are now warning that avalanche conditions have reached a level most people never expect to see this late in the season.
What Is Happening Right Now
New spring snowfall is creating dangerous avalanche conditions around the Front Range, especially near tree lines, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
With up to two feet of snow and modest winds, Colorado’s northern Front Range has reached HIGH, or Level 4 of 5, avalanche danger above treeline at around 11,000 feet or higher. This is a rare occurrence for May. Natural avalanches are likely, and backcountry travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended in these areas.
According to the CAIC, the dangerous conditions are expected to continue for the rest of the week. That means every hiker, skier, snowshoer, and backcountry traveler planning to head into the high country this weekend needs to stop and pay close attention.
How Much Snow Actually Fell and Where
The storm dropped one to two feet of snow in some areas including Rocky Mountain National Park, Cameron Pass, and the northern Front Range.
Up to 8 inches fell in the Northern and Central Mountains, while 15 inches hit the Park Range and Elk Mountains. In those areas, up to 15 inches of new snow is expected to create CONSIDERABLE, or Level 3 of 5, avalanche danger.
Here is a quick look at the danger levels across different zones:
| Region | Snowfall | Danger Level |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Front Range, RMNP, Cameron Pass | 1 to 2 feet | HIGH (Level 4 of 5) |
| Park Range, Elk Mountains | Up to 15 inches | CONSIDERABLE (Level 3 of 5) |
| Northern and Central Mountains | Up to 8 inches | MODERATE (Level 2 of 5) |
CAIC expects avalanche danger to rise significantly around Rocky Mountain National Park, Berthoud Pass, Loveland Pass, Cameron Pass, and the northern Front Range.
Why Spring Avalanches Are More Dangerous Than You Think
Many people assume that as winter fades, the risk fades with it. That assumption has cost lives.
The timing of this storm introduces additional complexity. New snow falling onto old spring surfaces creates a particularly unstable layering scenario, even at this late point in the season.
Significant snowpack remains near and above treeline across the high country, meaning there is plenty of material for avalanche activity to develop.
After the storm, daytime warming and sunshine could quickly shift the main concern from new snow avalanches to wet avalanches, especially in areas that receive the most snow heading into the weekend. So even after the storm passes, the danger does not simply disappear.
Since 1950, avalanches have killed more people in Colorado than any other natural hazard. Colorado has seen 62 deaths from 54 fatal avalanches in the last 12 years alone.
What Experts Are Saying
“Anyone heading into the mountains is urged to carefully evaluate each slope,” said Mike Cooperstein with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. “Drifted snow, especially near ridgelines, in rocky terrain, and on cross-loaded slopes, should be avoided.”
Safer travel can be found on lower-angle terrain, generally slopes less than 30 degrees, particularly in areas sheltered from the wind.
The mountains around Steamboat Springs are reaching HIGH danger. Dangerous areas are increasing as snowfall continues through the weekend. By Monday afternoon, the skies may clear, but it will still be easy for people to trigger avalanches large enough to kill them.
CAIC Director Ethan Greene put it clearly: “The avalanche danger pattern this weekend is complicated. Travelers looking for cooler snow on shaded slopes may still encounter dangerous weak layers, while those on sun-exposed slopes will see conditions deteriorate quickly as temperatures rise. What feels manageable in the morning can become much more dangerous by the afternoon.”
What You Must Do Before Heading Out
If you are planning any mountain activity this week, these steps could save your life.
- Check the forecast first: The CAIC issues avalanche forecasts each day by 4:30 PM. Check the forecast when planning your trip and again before you head out for the day.
- Carry the right gear: Carrying rescue equipment is non-negotiable. That means an avalanche rescue transceiver, a probe, and a shovel. You should also carry standard winter survival gear including food, water, proper layers, and a communication device.
- Stay on safe terrain: Backcountry travelers are advised to stick to low-angle terrain, steer clear of avalanche paths and overhead hazards.
- Go early: Travelers are encouraged to plan around the melt-freeze cycle, getting an early start and moving off steep terrain before warming afternoon temperatures turn the snowpack to soup.
- Know when to turn back: At High danger, natural avalanches are considered likely, and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center recommends avoiding avalanche terrain entirely.
One more thing people forget. Highways are less of a concern due to mitigation efforts, but the biggest risk is for people leaving resort boundaries. “Leaving the ski area boundaries through gates, if you’re not prepared to be in the backcountry, these conditions are extra dangerous.”
Colorado’s mountains in May can feel inviting. The skies look blue, the trails look fresh, and the snow looks beautiful. But underneath that perfect picture, the snowpack right now is carrying a hidden threat that can move faster than any person can run. The CAIC issues daily avalanche forecasts covering around 28,000 square miles of Colorado’s backcountry terrain, and this week’s warning is one of the most serious of the spring season. Stay informed, stay on safe terrain, and do not let a single mountain adventure turn into a tragedy your family never recovers from.
What do you think about the avalanche warning issued this week? Have you changed your outdoor plans because of it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
