Avalanche danger remains low throughout much of Colorado’s northern mountains following an overnight snowstorm Sunday, Nov. 3, that brought significant snowfall in places.

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center wrote in its forecast for the northern mountains Tuesday, Nov. 5, that the snowstorm did a lot to bolster the early-season snowpack. In the Tenmile Range in Summit County, snow totals from the storm were close to 20 inches, while elsewhere accumulations were about 6-10 inches.

“Early in the season, a tricky dilemma is that the slopes with the most continuous coverage to ride or the most supportive surface to walk on are the most hazardous,” the forecast states. “Assess any slope carefully for the presence of a slab before committing to a steeper slope. Remember that even a small slide in November may be like riding over a giant cheese grater as you bounce over rocks.”

Most slopes will remain safe to travel on as there is not much snow, the forecast states. Where there is continuous snow, backcountry recreationalists should avoid slopes with rounded pillows or places where the snow is firm and hollow, where an avalanche could be triggered, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. This is most likely in gullies and close to ridgelines.

While avalanches triggered in these conditions may be small, there are a lot of exposed rocks and obstacles this time of year, increasing the potential consequences. Avalanche officials recommend that anyone in the backcountry who encounters snow cracking or collapsing move to lower-angle slopes or slopes without a slab.

Moving forward, the areas where the most snow has accumulated will be the most hazardous, especially as strong winds are expected Tuesday, the forecast states. Avalanche officials expect the winds to quickly transport low-density snow onto slopes with slabs developing throughout the day. 

Slopes that face a northerly direction could be especially problematic as they harbored the most snow before the weekend storm, likely resulting in faceted snow that could provide a weak layer that increases the size of avalanches, the forecast states.

“Remember, low avalanche danger does not mean no danger,” Colorado Avalanche Information Center officials wrote in a social media post Sunday. “Assessing each slope individually and questioning any steep slope is always a good idea. Looking ahead, a bigger storm arrives (Tuesday). With back-to-back storms, early-season conditions are quickly changing. As snow accumulates and new slabs form, the potential for triggering avalanches will increase later this week.”

For more information and the latest forecast, visit Colorado.gov/avalanche.