Summit County, Colorado – A skier ignited an R2/D1 slab avalanche on a southeast-facing slope near 12,100 feet in Upper Straight Creek on 2.1.26. The failure struck a buried weak layer near the ground. It erupted where the slope grew steeper and the snowpack thinned.

Avalanche danger holds at moderate, level 2 of 5, over much of the Northern Mountains. Seventeen human-triggered avalanches hit in the past 3 days, with some sparked remotely. Key hotspots lie around Vail and Summit County, fueled by fresh snow and winds crafting rigid slabs close to ridgelines.

Drifted zones pose risks of unleashing massive avalanches, even from afar. Perilous slopes span north to south aspects, worst where snowpack slims near rocks beneath ridgelines. Rock-adjacent shallow triggers drive most human-caused slides. Seek refuge in wind-guarded, low-elevation spots under 30 degrees for secure, pleasant journeys.

Statewide, slabs grow scarcer in isolation. Central Mountains face threats chiefly below ridgelines. Southern Mountains hold fewer trigger-prone slabs, yet steer clear of taut, sleek drifts on sharp, stony ground.

Sustained steep slopes demand vigilance against Loose Dry avalanches. Minor sluffs might surge unexpectedly far, turning deadly in confined terrain.

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