It is hard to believe the beautiful winter weather we’ve been having lately. The unseasonably warm days do give way to colder nights, but I know well that these temperatures could be much lower than they have been. Probably should be.  

In November, I wrote “An Early Winter Blast” about the big snowfall we had had that seemingly was the kickoff to an amazing season of snow filled days and the coming winter fun and challenges that accompany abundant snow. Little did I know that mother nature had a different plan. I’ll admit it’s hard to complain about lovely weather but, in terms of avalanche danger, I have a growing anxiety that I can’t seem to shake.  

Those early snowstorms covered the mountains with a deep layer of snow that has been constantly changing since it first landed on the slopes around the Valley. I won’t dazzle you with fancy words from the fascinating field of snow science, but I can assure you that those words are both descriptive and scary. They speak of changes in the snow crystals and how each one plays a role in the strength of the snowpack. They advise us that the snowpack stretches like a rubber band and can eventually break, causing sometimes massive amounts of snow to separate from weaker layers of snow crystals and slide down the slope. An avalanche.  

When a mass of snow fails to stay bonded to the slope, it begins to descend at a rate that is generally dictated by the steepness of the slope and the weight of the snow. Wet avalanches will typically travel much slower, but an average-sized dry avalanche will reach between 60 to 80 mph in approximately 5 seconds. When the snow stops moving, it hardens. Just like when you shovel your driveway after a snowfall the banks get firm very quickly. So, when you are caught in avalanche debris, it is often said that you can’t even dig yourself out without a shovel and need help from someone else. Sounds fun.  

Avalanches come in all sizes and can happen when snow is on a steep enough slope – generally above 30 degrees. They most often happen during or just after a big snowstorm or wind events. They can be triggered by almost anything that adds a final blow to a stressed snowpack. Animals crossing slopes, people hiking or playing on skis and snowmobiles, even the increase of water weight from the sun melting snow are all documented causes of avalanches. Some of them can be triggered remotely, as in the trigger, such as a snowboarder, never even touched the area where the snow slid!  

According to the National Avalanche Center, snow avalanches kill more people on National Forests than any other natural hazard. Each winter, 25 to 30 people die in avalanches in the United States, and nearly all these deaths involve recreation on National Forests. Learning this hit me hard. I’ve promoted avalanche awareness and safety for over thirty years, but sometimes I wonder if I am not doing enough.  

This year, my increasing anxiety comes from the fact that, as new snow falls on these increasingly weakened early season layers of snow, the ability of the new snow to effectively bond to the lower layers is not real high. Add to that the sheer weight of the new snow and you are building a good recipe for an avalanche, and lots of them. When it does come, the beautiful snow will be enticing to backcountry users, and it is at these moments when their attention to safety must be at its peak. All actions should first be risk assessed, and all risks must be mitigated. You can still have some fun, but there is no room for irrational actions. Make your plan and stick to it. 

If you are or plan to become a backcountry user, I salute you. These activities can provide hours of fun and invigorating experiences for the rest of your life. There is no reason to not seek out ways to play in the winter backcountry, just plan to do it safely. Start by learning more about the snow and how it can become dangerous. Determine which equipment and safety products are best for you and the activities that you plan to do and get that gear. Finally, as always, check your avalanche forecast before venturing out. Visit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center’s excellent website at https://avalanche.state.co.us. 

Gregg Goodland is the Public Affairs Officer for the Rio Grande National Forest. An avid outdoor enthusiast, promoting the safe and responsible use of our public lands is his lifelong mission.