Springtime Avy Danger Increase (CO)- 2012

04-08-12 -- The CAIC has increased the avy danger due to increasing temps that will start effecting on the snowpack, & deep persistent slabs with a weak base layer. The snowpack has not yet stabilized. This will be a concern to mountaineers that have recently been experiencing Low (Level 1) ratings.

The increase is to Moderate (Level 2). Generally, just about all aspects and elevations where a snowpack is still prevalent.

For more info:

avalanche.state.co.us/index…

Watch for obvious signs of warming such as roller-balls, pinwheels, and slushy snow coming over your boot tops.

Please also note they will be going to their reduced notification schedule in the near future.

For those that don't peruse the CAIC, and in absence of the 'off-season' daily reporting, just to reiterate continued danger and keep an awareness for potential wet slab activity.

A moderate slide was triggered up at St Mary's without injury this past weekend. It is in their reporting along with a pic.

The snowpack in a general sense is not yet stable and will be experiencing further stress with the anticipated new precip. This will be a concern for mountaineers & couloir climbing. Don't accept that the time of day bias (by you getting on it early) will keep you safe.

04-28-12 -- "...This week, more traditional spring weather returned to the state, with rain and snow Thursday and Friday. Cooler temperatures and precipitation shifted our primary avalanche concern from wet avalanches to dry, new-snow avalanches. New, storm and wind slab avalanches will not be our primary avalanche concern for very long. The moisture-laden new snow will stabilize quickly. The areas where with wind drifts deeper than about 2 feet and very steep slopes where the new slab is resting on an old, icy surface present the greatest danger. Direct sun on these new snow layers can also make it easier to trigger avalanches in the surface snow."