TL;DR
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has issued a statewide advisory as the region transitions from winter to spring conditions, presenting varied avalanche risks for backcountry users.
Colorado Issues Statewide Avalanche Advisory for Spring Transition
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) has announced a statewide avalanche advisory as the region shifts from winter to spring conditions. This transition period brings unique challenges for skiers and riders venturing into the backcountry. Recent May snowfall has left a fresh layer across Colorado's high country, but the incoming warmer weather and sunshine could rapidly destabilise the snowpack.
CAIC forecasters highlight two primary avalanche risks during this transitional period. Initially, dry storm slab avalanches may occur in areas yet to receive sunlight. As the day progresses and temperatures rise, the risk shifts to wet loose avalanches, particularly on sun-exposed slopes. The variability in recent snowfall across different locations, aspects, and elevations further complicates the situation, with some areas receiving up to four times more snow than others.
The CAIC emphasises the importance of being prepared for sudden changes in conditions. As clouds dissipate and intense sunlight hits the new snow, rapid transformations in the snowpack can occur. This dynamic environment requires backcountry users to be ready for both new snow and wet snow avalanche scenarios, depending on their location and the time of day.
