Spring has officially arrived on the calendar, and this last week of March brought weather from all four seasons. Thankfully the snow keeps falling and earlier in the week storms dropped 5-7 inches of fresh snow on local ski resorts. Snowpack in the Roaring Fork Watershed is currently 106% of normal, and snow and seasonal temperatures are in the forecast over the next week, which will help maintain our snowpack. Spring conditions are highly variable, and experts are warning of avalanche and wildfire risks. Please continue to make conservative choices when skiing in the backcountry as avalanche danger remains moderate to considerate. Multiple avalanches occurred within this risk category in Colorado over the last month. Before heading out, check up to date avalanche conditions at www.avalanche.state.co.us/. Additionally, strong spring winds increase both avalanche and wildfire risk. While snowpack in the Roaring Fork Watershed has been slightly above average most of the winter, soils and vegetation remain dry due to a multi-year drought. This is a good time to contact your local fire department who can conduct a fire risk assessment of your property.
Note: This is the first Snowpack Report RFC has addressed both avalanche and wildfire risk, simultaneously.
ROARING FORK CONSERVANCY