Historic Avalanche Conditions, New Storm: Weekend Travel Warning

BOULDER, CO -- The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has issued an extreme avalanche warning for the central mountains. The National Weather Service is forecasting another winter storm with heavy snow, set to hit the mountains on Friday Afternoon. In the past week, avalanches have buried multiple Colorado highways and roads.

In summary: If you are going to head to the high country this weekend, be careful.

The extreme zone for avalanche danger is covers the entire central mountain region, from Breckenridge to Aspen to Crested Butte. Even the foothills above Boulder are under a high danger warning. Travelers are warned to avoid the backcountry this weekend. When traveling through avalanche-prone territory, the CAIC notes that the safer terrain will be on less wind-loaded slopes with angles of less than 30 degrees.

EXTREME Avalanche Danger (5 of 5) and an Avalanche Warning for Vail and Summit County, Sawatch, Gunnison and Aspen zones. Do not travel in the backcountry. Historic avalanches expected to valley floors. #CAICSummit #CAICSawatch #CAICAspen #CAICGunnison pic.twitter.com/xQuOXw6wTf
— CAIC:Statewide Info (@COAvalancheInfo) March 7, 2019

On Thursday, a slide buried Highway 91 outside of Copper Mountain, after I-70 was hit on Sunday.

AVALANCHE!!!! HWY 91 1 mile south of Copper Mtn Ski area. Three cars buried. All persons accounted for and safe. Drive safe!#ofpy#avalanche #snowpocalypse2019 pic.twitter.com/hJYhGVAsbq
— CSPDistrict4 (@CSP_District4) March 7, 2019

WOW! This is terrifying! Just got this video from the view of a car going eastbound on I-70 yesterday around 5 p.m. Thankfully, no cars were buried. No one was hurt. #cowx pic.twitter.com/OOiy5mEvN9
— Marshall Zelinger (@Marshall9News) March 4, 2019

Separately, the National Weather Service has issued both winter storm warnings and high wind warnings for large portions of the mountains in effect through Saturday morning. Heavy snow is expected to develop this afternoon along the I-70 corridor. Whiteout conditions and winds up to 60 mph are possible.

Heavy snow redeveloping across high country this afternoon. See graphic for highlights & timing. Hazardous mountain travel expected. #cowx pic.twitter.com/tClASpQhoq
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) March 8, 2019

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