Colorado Avalanche Danger Rises After Recent Snowfall

Unusual snowpack conditions create high risk of persistent slab avalanches in the mountains.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Avalanche risk is high in Colorado's northern and central mountains due to unusual snowpack conditions, with persistent weak layers forming slab avalanches. Areas around Aspen, Crested Butte, and Steamboat have seen 14-18 inches of new snow in the past week, adding significant weight to the snowpack and increasing avalanche danger.

Why it matters

Colorado's mountainous regions are popular winter recreation destinations, and the high avalanche risk poses a serious threat to backcountry users. Varying snowpack conditions this season have created different avalanche patterns compared to normal, making the snowpack more unpredictable and dangerous.

The details

Forecasters say the problem is not just the amount of snow, but how it is layered in the snowpack. Weak layers have formed due to cycles of cold, clear nights and warmer, sunny days, creating persistent slab avalanche conditions. Crusts from sun exposure and warm temperatures have also added complexity to the snowpack.

  • The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has rated avalanche danger as 'considerable' across much of the northern and central mountains.
  • In the past week, areas around Aspen, Crested Butte, and Steamboat have received 14-18 inches of new snow.

The players

Colorado Avalanche Information Center

A state agency that provides avalanche forecasting and education to help reduce avalanche-related injuries and fatalities in Colorado.

Mike Cooperstein

The regional manager for the CAIC's northern mountains division.

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What they’re saying

“They both just got a lot of snow, so 14 to 18 inches of snow in the last week in those areas, and the snowpack just doesn't like that when it gets a big load like that.”

— Mike Cooperstein, Regional Manager, Colorado Avalanche Information Center (9news.com)

“We get weak layers in the snowpack, we call them persistent weak layers, and those weak layers result in persistent slab avalanches.”

— Mike Cooperstein, Regional Manager, Colorado Avalanche Information Center (9news.com)

What’s next

Forecasters urge anyone heading into the backcountry to check daily avalanche forecasts and carefully consider terrain choices to stay safe.

The takeaway

This season's unusual snowpack conditions in Colorado's mountains have created a heightened avalanche risk, requiring extra caution and preparation from backcountry users. The varying snowpack layers and crusts have led to different avalanche patterns, making the snowpack more unpredictable and dangerous than normal.