Avalanche danger in the backcountry increased with the recent storm that dropped snow throughout the Colorado mountains, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center warned on Tuesday.
Most of the state’s mountains have moderate avalanche danger that is expected to diminish by late Wednesday.
While most avalanches likely would be small, areas that got more than 8 inches of snow accompanied by wind could produce dangerous slides, the center said.
Up to 9 inches of new snow fell in the southern San Juan Mountains, and areas to the north got 4 to 8 inches of snow.
The Colorado Department of Transportation reported that it completed avalanche control work on U.S. Highway 550 at Red Mountain Pass about 9:15 a.m. Tuesday. Traffic cameras showed dry pavement and sunshine on portions of the road.
Scattered snow showers are forecast through Wednesday in the San Juan Mountains, but little accumulation is expected, according to the National Weather Service. Warmer, dry weather is expected Thursday through Saturday, with a chance of showers returning on Sunday and Monday.
The forecast for Durango calls for sunshine and temperatures in the 50s through Friday, with a slight chance of rain or snow showers on Saturday.
