COLORADO – Over the last 10 years, February is the single most dangerous month for avalanches in Colorado. Over a quarter of the fatal avalanche accidents happened during this month. We would like to break that pattern, but that requires your active participation.
This morning’s avalanche at Monarch Pass is a reminder that this is a serious issue, and can only be mitigated by doing snow-related activities at times and places where they are designed to take place.
The map above, you can find Denver, Springs, Pueblo. Right now, the danger is pretty high in most areas west of the Divide, but is highest across the Elk Mountains, and the San Juans…in both the San Juan and Rio Grand Forests.
Today’s avalanche at Monarch pass fits right in to this high risk area.
Best advice? To never go it alone, never at night or near dusk, never in high risk areas, and avoid going outside of common areas. Oh, and always bring survival gear.
