Weekly Summary

Avalanche Weekly Summary - March 6, 2025

Posted by: kelsy.been On: 03/06/2025

Northern Mountains
After more than two weeks at CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger (3 of 5), last weekend saw warm temperatures and gradually decreasing avalanche danger, with Vail/Summit and the Front Range dropping to MODERATE danger. Monday, a storm delivered 8 to 18 inches of snow, with the highest totals in the Front Range. Only 13 avalanches were reported this past week, and all of them were in the Front Range. 

Central Mountains
February ended with unseasonably warm weather, but a storm on Monday brought up to 2 feet of new snow to the West Elk Mountains, the western end of the Elk Mountains, and the Ruby and Raggeds Ranges. With this new snowfall, avalanche activity increased, with 55 avalanches reported, including 13 large (D2 or larger) slides. Human-triggered avalanches accounted for 40% (22 of 55) of the reported incidents, including a long-distance remote trigger. The very large natural avalanche off Sievers Mountain pictured below highlighted the continued potential for deep, destructive slides. 

Looking down at a very large avalanche that broke to the ground in places.


Southern Mountains
March began with springlike weather, but winter returned on Monday, delivering 8 to 16 inches of new snow. By Wednesday, clear skies revealed a few small natural avalanches above treeline. Overall, avalanche activity remained limited, with only five reported avalanches. The only human-triggered avalanche was a skier-triggered slide near Wolf Creek Pass.

Heading Into the Weekend
A major storm on Thursday and Friday will bring heavy snowfall and very strong winds. Wind Slab and Storm avalanches (depending upon the mountain range) will become very likely, and in the snowiest places, we expect to see Persistent Slab avalanches run naturally Thursday night. An Avalanche Warning is in effect for the Flat Tops, Grand Mesa, and West Elk Mountains. Regardless of location, avoid travel on or below steep slopes in wind-loaded terrain. Even after the Avalanche Warning expires, avalanche conditions will remain dangerous through the weekend. Large and very large Persistent Slab avalanches remain a serious risk. 

A large avalanche starting from the ridge.
This slide on Ute Peak in the Williams Fork Range was one of the 13 avalanches D2 or larger reported in the Front Range last week.
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Looking at an avalanche on a steep slope in the distance
This Storm Slab avalanche on Red Mountain Pass was one of the largest slides reported in the Southern Mountains after the Monday storm.
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