Since 1950, avalanches have killed more people in Colorado than any other natural hazard. Last season, Vail and Summit counties reported 703 avalanches, of which 176 were human-triggered. Thankfully, no one was killed.
Statewide, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) recorded more than 5,000 avalanches during the 2023-2024 winter season, with two fatalities — fewer than the annual average of six.
Some seasons are more treacherous than others. For example, the deadly 2022-2023 season saw 5,663 avalanches, 861 of which were human triggered. In those slides, 122 people were caught, 20 people were fully buried and 11 lost their lives.
“Avalanches are possible any time you have snow on a slope,” says CAIC public information officer Kelsy Been. “You can control your risk by getting good information about the current avalanche conditions and basic avalanche safety, and then you can use that information to inform where you go in the backcountry and when.”
CAIC is a state agency within the Department of Natural Resources dedicated to public avalanche safety. Their mission is to provide avalanche information, education and promote research for the protection of life, property and the enhancement of the state’s economy.
Experienced backcountry users know to check the CAIC’s daily avalanche forecasts — an impressive collection of data covering 27,656 square miles of Colorado’s backcountry terrain — before heading out the door. When it comes to snow safety really, the experts say, it’s all about checking off the big three: Get the forecast. Get the gear. Get the training.
Here’s how to increase your safety and help keep those avy numbers down this winter season:
Get The Forcast
CAIC promotes avalanche safety through education, research and public info to protect lives and property. Photo courtesy of Liam Dorn.
Those recreating or traveling in the backcountry should always check the av alanche forecast (find it at colorado.gov/ avalanche) before heading out the door. This forecast will provide an avalanche danger rating, a short summary of the avalanche conditions and problems you may encounter, along with travel advice for navigating current conditions.
Get The Gear
Backcountry users (this includes snow mobilers, snowshoers, skiers and snowboarders) should make sure they have the proper avalanche safety gear — a transceiver (aka beacon), shovel and probe — and can use it effectively. Being able to use this life-saving equipment generally requires practice.
Get The Training
The CAIC maintains a calendar of courses available from providers across the state. Find this information at avalanche.state.co.us/find-avalanche-course. Some things to keep in mind when signing up for a course:
Where you take the course: Learning about the snow conditions and terrain in a zone that you plan to recreate in or are familiar with can add value to the experience.
• Use type: Finding a specific motorized provider can maximize and tailor the course to snowmobile users, for example. Ask the provider what type of access (snowshoe, skin, hike, etc.) is typical for the participants.
• Type of course: Some classes are one day, some are multiple days, and there are different courses designed for different experience levels. When in doubt, call the provider and describe your backcountry experience and what you’d like to get out of the course.
In the Vail Valley, Meadow Mountain is a popular local learning spot with almost entirely low angle terrain. There is also a transceiver practice park that is installed and maintained by the local U.S. Forest Service. This is a great spot to practice your search skills.
Smart Safety Tips
If you are traveling where there isn’t a current avalanche forecast, here are some simple things that will help you avoid avalanches.
• Avalanches are possible when you have snow on a slope steeper than about 30 degrees. Carry a handy slope meter tool to read the pitch.
• Most avalanches happen during or soon after a big snowstorm, period of strong winds or during a rapid thaw. Try to avoid going into the backcountry without proper training and gear during those times.
• Signs of higher avalanche danger include recent avalanches, cracking in the snow and audible collapsing. Avoid traveling on or under these slopes.
Trailhead Outreach Program
Friends of CAIC’s Trailhead Outreach Program (TOP) Dillon Ranger District coordinator visits access points like Vail Pass and Mayflower Gulch 70+ times throughout the year, providing information on how to get the forecast and educating users about the CAIC’s services. This program is made possible by a grant from the NFF that focuses on the White River National Forest’s Dillon Ranger District — an area that includes many access points popular amongst the Vail Valley backcountry community.