WOLF CREEK — It has been almost two weeks since the last snowstorm moved over the San Juan Mountain Range and now the older snow has heightened avalanche danger from minimal to moderate. According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center or CAIC the high country is heading into a period of unsettled weather beginning Thursday, Jan. 9.

In a post shared on Facebook the CAIC stated, “We are heading into a period of unsettled weather beginning Thursday. Before an incoming storm, forecasters pay close attention to the old snow surface. We ask ourselves what the new storm snow will be falling on.

“Will the new snow bond well to this surface? Or is it falling on a crust or surface facets that could be our next weak layer? As you move around your favorite back-country locale, be a forecaster; take a mental picture (or an actual picture), where are the wind slabs we have been avoiding the last week?

“How is the current snow surface going to interact with this week’s new snow? You’ll be prepared to make decisions as conditions change. This photo was taken yesterday by our Highway 550 forecasters looking at surface conditions in highway paths ahead of the next storm.”

As of Dec. 30, Wolf Creek Ski Resort reported 193 inches of snow for the season. 

A hardened 1- to 2-inch layer is now on top of powder snow.

This hardened surface can cause any new snow to slide especially around windrow piles and drifts or overhanging ridgelines.

Outdoor enthusiasts are urged to use caution while in the backcountry and to be aware of the surroundings before heading out to enjoy the snow.

He added: “Look for signs of recent drifting to spot the danger. Avoid steep slopes with smooth pillows of stiff dense wind-deposited snow. Seek out safer (and softer) conditions in lower angled, more wind-sheltered terrain. A triggered wind slab can step into older snow layers and become a dangerous persistent slab avalanche. We haven’t seen a lot of that, but the possibility should not be overlooked.”

For more information or to check current weather conditions in the Colorado high country, please visit https://tinyurl.com/coavalancheinfo or to report additional information on snow conditions, interested parties can visit https://avalanche.state.co.us/observations/submit-a-report/