Central and Southern Mountains, Colorado, United States – Avalanche experts report an alarming increase in human-triggered avalanches on January 4, 2026, following recent snowstorms across the region.

On Friday, 11 human-triggered avalanches were recorded in the Central and Southern Mountains. While the number may seem small, it surpasses December’s total of 53 such avalanches across the entire month, signaling a heightened risk for backcountry travelers.

A Special Avalanche Advisory remains in effect for the West Elk Mountains, including the Ragged and Ruby Ranges, where danger is rated CONSIDERABLE (3 of 5). This area accounted for several of Friday’s incidents, including near misses.

Avalanche risk is not limited to these ranges. In Prospect Basin near Silverton, two small human-triggered avalanches (D1.5) were reported where danger is MODERATE (2 of 5). Video footage shows one of these avalanches in action.

Slopes facing northwest through north to east, and potentially southeast, contain buried weak layers or crusts now overlain by dense storm snow or drifted snow. In the most dangerous zones, avalanches can be triggered from a distance or from below a steep slope. Experts advise maintaining slopes under 30 degrees and carefully managing connected terrain for safer backcountry travel.

In other mountain areas, the recent snowpack is not thick enough to pose a significant avalanche hazard, though caution is still advised.

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