The backcountry steeps of the South San Juan Mountains surrounding Durango are ideal for avalanches. Anyone heading into the backcountry around Durango should understand the risks, and be well educated in Avalanche safety. You should have the proper gear and training to not only survive an avalanche, but hopefully avoid getting caught in an avalanche in the first place.
If you don’t fall into the ‘ready’ category, you can still enjoy our local ski resorts, sledding hills or some gentle cross country skiing or snowshoeing.
The following Durango Avalanche report is published daily by the awesome folks at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center where you can find a full report for Southern Colorado, as well as the other avalanche zones of Colorado.
Fri, Apr 30, 2021 at 6:58 AM | Friday | Saturday | |||
| Moderate (2) Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. | Moderate (2) Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. | ||||
| Moderate (2) Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. | Moderate (2) Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. | ||||
| Low (1) Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. | Low (1) Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. | ||||
Danger Scale
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Summary
The avalanche danger increases as the snow surface warms through the day. Steep, east through south to west-facing slopes are likely to warm first, but the warmth and intense sun may affect shady slopes at upper elevations. If you observe rollerballs, wet snow shedding from steep, rocky terrain or you sink past boot tops head for colder snow or exit avalanche terrain completely.
Slopes that appear firm and frozen in the morning can soften quicker than you might expect. Wet snow avalanches typically start small but can pick up momentum and take you for a nasty ride. Avoid traveling above consequential terrain or below sagging cornices during peak heating and if you observe wet snow activity.
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The CAIC will transition to regional products this afternoon (April 30). Regional backcountry forecasts are issued at 4:30 PM with avalanche danger ratings for the following day.
 | N S E W NW NE SE SW Above Treeline Near Treeline Below Treeline | Certain Very Likely Likely Possible Unlikely | Historic Very Large Large Small |
| Avalanche Character | Aspect/Elevation | Likelihood | Size |
What You Need to Know About These Avalanches
Loose Wet avalanches occur when water is running through the snowpack, and release at or below the trigger point. Avoid very steep slopes and terrain traps such as cliffs, gullies, or tree wells. Exit avalanche terrain when you see pinwheels, roller balls, a slushy surface, or during rain-on-snow events.
| Friday Night | Saturday | Saturday Night | |
| Temperature (ºF) | -- | -- | -- |
| Wind Speed (mph) | -- | -- | -- |
| Wind Direction | -- | -- | -- |
| Sky Cover | Overcast | Overcast | Overcast |
| Snow (in) | -- | -- | -- |
Archived Forecasts
- Select Forecast: Valid