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Avalanche Updates
The following provides basic information on avalanches and local Aspen area mountains.
Avalanche Details
An avalanche is a mass of snow sliding down a mountainside. Avalanches are also called snow slides; there is no difference in these terms. An avalanche occurs when the stress (from gravity) trying to pull the snow downhill exceeds the strength (from bonds between snow grains) of the snow cover. The avalanche danger increases with major snowstorms and periods of thaw. The most avalanche-prone months are January, February, and March. Avalanches caused by thaw occur most often in April.
Slopes
About 90% of all avalanches start on slopes of 30-45 degrees; about 98% of all avalanches occur on slopes of 25-50 degrees. Avalanches release most often on slopes above timberline that face away from prevailing winds (leeward slopes collect snow blowing from the windward sides of ridges.) However, avalanches can occur on small slopes well below timberline, such as gullies, road cuts, and small openings in the trees. Very dense trees can anchor the snow to steep slopes and prevent avalanches from starting; however, avalanches can release and travel through a moderately dense forest.
Avalanche Details
An avalanche is a mass of snow sliding down a mountainside. Avalanches are also called snow slides; there is no difference in these terms. An avalanche occurs when the stress (from gravity) trying to pull the snow downhill exceeds the strength (from bonds between snow grains) of the snow cover. The avalanche danger increases with major snowstorms and periods of thaw. The most avalanche-prone months are January, February, and March. Avalanches caused by thaw occur most often in April.
Slopes
About 90% of all avalanches start on slopes of 30-45 degrees; about 98% of all avalanches occur on slopes of 25-50 degrees. Avalanches release most often on slopes above timberline that face away from prevailing winds (leeward slopes collect snow blowing from the windward sides of ridges.) However, avalanches can occur on small slopes well below timberline, such as gullies, road cuts, and small openings in the trees. Very dense trees can anchor the snow to steep slopes and prevent avalanches from starting; however, avalanches can release and travel through a moderately dense forest.
Backcountry
Most avalanches occur in the backcountry, outside of developed ski areas. The Aspen Skiing Company does an excellent job of avalanche control inside the boundaries of the local ski areas. But if you are going to ski in the backcountry you can reliably avoid avalanches by recognizing and avoiding avalanche terrain. You cannot entirely eliminate risk, but you can minimize risk by using appropriate skiing techniques, carrying and knowing how to use avalanche rescue gear; and turning back or altering your route if you detect signs of unstable snow.
Note: The danger of avalanches on Castle Creek Road between miles 3 and 4 is high most of the winter.
Forecasts & Updates
For the most current avalanche forecasts and updates visit the Colorado Avalanche Info Center. The local Aspen Hotline Information number is 970-920-1664.
Most avalanches occur in the backcountry, outside of developed ski areas. The Aspen Skiing Company does an excellent job of avalanche control inside the boundaries of the local ski areas. But if you are going to ski in the backcountry you can reliably avoid avalanches by recognizing and avoiding avalanche terrain. You cannot entirely eliminate risk, but you can minimize risk by using appropriate skiing techniques, carrying and knowing how to use avalanche rescue gear; and turning back or altering your route if you detect signs of unstable snow.
Note: The danger of avalanches on Castle Creek Road between miles 3 and 4 is high most of the winter.
Forecasts & Updates
For the most current avalanche forecasts and updates visit the Colorado Avalanche Info Center. The local Aspen Hotline Information number is 970-920-1664.