Avalanche Warning in Effect Over Parts of Colorado Until Tuesday, Nearby Areas to Get 12-Inch Snow

An Avalanche Warning is in effect for some of Colorado until Tuesday. Meanwhile, 12-inch snow accumulations are expected in nearby areas.

According to the National Weather Service in Denver - Boulder Colorado office, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center has requested an immediate broadcast of the Avalanche Warning announced in the late afternoon of Sunday.

Avalanche Watch is in effect over a small percentage of nearby areas while the remainder is under Winter Weather Advisory for 12-inch snow accumulations and high wind gusts.

Avalanche Warning

The said Avalanche Warning covers the Flat Tops, Park Range, Elkhead Mountains, Gore Range, and Front Range.

Colorado Weather: Avalanche danger ramping up Monday https://t.co/Wjt1OfZ1ct pic.twitter.com/1qQQOSzdyl
— CBSColorado (@CBSNewsColorado) December 5, 2022

The warning was issued due to extremely risky avalanche conditions that began to develop on Monday morning and are projected to persist through Tuesday.

Residents are advised to expect easily-triggered, large, and dangerous avalanches on steep, easterly, and northerly-facing slopes at all elevations.

Officials remind residents that it is not advised to travel through backcountry avalanche terrain on Monday or Tuesday.

Avalanche Watch

The NWS Denver - Boulder office relayed another bulletin from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center by 7:37 AM on Monday, December 5.

The advisory was issued due to significant snowfall and strong winds that would overwhelm a weak snowpack. Extremely dangerous avalanche conditions are additionally anticipated for Tuesday.

This weather warning applies to the Anthracite, Ragged, and Ruby Ranges in the West Elk Mountains.

From 12 AM Tuesday through 8 AM Wednesday, there will be HIGH avalanche danger, at Lever 4 of 5, and very dangerous avalanche conditions.

Avalanches would run naturally during this time frame and will be very simple to cause large, dangerous avalanches.

Extremely dangerous avalanche conditions have started to develop in the Northern Sawatch Range, Park Range, and Gore Range, which include Vail Pass, and are expected to persist through Monday night.

During this time, avalanches sizable enough to bury adults are easily triggered, and many areas will release spontaneously.

Winter Weather Advisory

NWS Grand Junction office in Colorado issued a Winter Weather Advisory during the first hours of December 5, Monday, over the Upper Yampa River Basin, including the city of Steamboat Springs.

The advisory is in effect from 5 AM today through 5 AM on Tuesday.

With higher amounts locally, snowfall accumulations ranging from 5 to 10 inches are predicted.

Meanwhile, The Weather Channel reports Central Yampa River Basin is expecting snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches.

12-inch snow is anticipated in places like Flat Tops, Elkhead, and Park Mountains, and the cities of Columbine, Buford, Hahns Peak, Toponas, and Trappers Lake. Winter Weather advisory will be in effect until 11 AM Tuesday in these areas.

Outdoor Activities in Elkhead, Colorado

With multiple weather advisories in effect, experts from AccuWeather recommend postponing or canceling any outdoor activities as poor conditions are expected. Activities include fishing, running, cycling, biking, golfing, stargazing, and going to pools and beaches.

Weather conditions are also poor for outdoor home and garden activities such as lawn mowing, composting, and outdoor entertaining.

Individuals that are sensitive to dust and dander are advised to take special precautions as triggers are at high levels today. It will gradually rise to extremely high levels until Thursday and will remain to be so through Sunday.