A slow down in snow across the mountains has resulted in a significantly weakened snow pack. While this isn’t a huge problem right now, it could have a large impact later on in the season.
A soft, weak early snow pack can lead to dangerous conditions later in the season as more as additional snow accumulates on the mountain. Heavy, new winter snows on a weak snow pack can easily break off and cause avalanches.
Be sure to check out the map provided by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center if you plan on hiking or skiing in avalanche prone areas.
The snow pack across the state is still in a suitable range. Recent snow deficits have been most noticeable across the southwest and western basins, such as the Gunnison and San Juan.
While heavy future snow falls could lead to avalanche trouble, the additional moisture is key to save drought stricken west and southwest Colorado. The best case scenario would be multiple small and steady snows through the winter season.
