Avalanche Threat Follows Heavy Western Snow

news image
Special Stories
18 Jan 2019 8:18 AM
Heavy snow across the western U.S. mountains has led to an increased threat of avalanches. Heavy snow has fallen over the mountains of California, Utah, and Idaho, as well as the Rockies of Colorado. In California, as much as 5 feet of snow! Local officials issue alerts for  avalanche danger, based on latest weather conditions and stability of snowpack. The threat varies by mountain range, or even sides of mountains, based on local snowpack conditions. Just Thursday, 2 skiers were hospitalized after an avalanche at Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico. The slide occurred, despite the ski area taking proper precautions, according to a Taos Ski Valley spokesperson. Local media reports one skier had died as a result of the slide. Many areas have a heightened threat of avalanche as heavy, wet snow lies on top of lighter snow. This makes an unstable snow pack, making slides more likely. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HW4Q2eGvEg   To check local avalanche conditions for your area, see links below. Utah Avalanche Center Colorado Avalanche Information Center Sierra Avalanche Center and to learn more about avalanches and how they form, visit avalanche.org to get educated and stay safe in the backcountry.  
All Weather News
More
Hurricane Center Monitoring Florida for Tropical Development

Hurricane Center Monitoring Florida for Tropical Development

Residents and visitors to the Southeast will

30 Jun 2025 10:00 PM
Barry Makes Landfall, Watching Flossie Next

Barry Makes Landfall, Watching Flossie Next

While the Eastern Pacific has made most of th

30 Jun 2025 9:40 PM
Severe Storms For the East Coast Through Tuesday

Severe Storms For the East Coast Through Tuesday

Frontal systems have been crossing the northe

30 Jun 2025 9:00 PM
Severe Weather Threat Continues in the Midwest

Severe Weather Threat Continues in the Midwest

It has been an active, severe season across t

30 Jun 2025 9:00 PM
Extreme Heat Continues Out West

Extreme Heat Continues Out West

An upper-level ridge is building into the Des

30 Jun 2025 6:45 PM
Where Rain Could Dampen Holiday Travel Plans

Where Rain Could Dampen Holiday Travel Plans

AAA is expecting over 70 million travelers to

30 Jun 2025 3:00 PM
Thunderstorms Possible in the Southeast Overnight

Thunderstorms Possible in the Southeast Overnight

SOUTHEAST - Strong thunderstorms have develop

28 Jun 2025 2:40 AM