It’s early in the snowboard season, and that means many things. But for those venturing into the backcountry the most important this is this: the snowpack is unstable.
The largest in-bounds avalanche in Steamboat Springs Resort history happened on Sunday after a massive snowstorm from November 25 through November 27 put stress on the snowpack. The avalanche happened from the Crow Track, The Ridge, Chute 1 and Chute 2.
“This is the largest slab avalanche we’ve seen at Steamboat in almost two decades,” a video from the communications department said. Check out the video below.
Steamboat ski patroller Riley Wilkinson said that because of the unstable snow, it is particularly important that everyone respects the signage and stays off of the closed trails.
“Not obeying closures puts both you and ski patrol in danger, and will result in the loss of skiing privileges,” she said. “For your safety and the safety of our team, please respect all trail closures and signs. We’re working hard to open more terrain for you, but we have to do so safely. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
A report from Matt Hartsel of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center states that there were no known witnesses to the slide, and it is believed that the avalanche was triggered naturally.
Photo: Matt Hartsel
“Explosive route 12/2 in area produced no further avalanche activity,” the report said. “Ran on early November faceted snow. Largest avalanche seen in area for a decade plus.”
Steamboat opened for the season just days before the slide, on November 23. As of December 5, there were 48 open trails, 11 open lifts, and 26 groomed runs, good for 20% of the terrain being open. The resort has received 55” of snowfall already this season, and it’s operating with a 24” base.
Closures include accessing uphill terrain on roped-off trails. Uphill access did resume on December 3 after Heavenly Daze opened up. The ropes on Oops, Vertigo, Kit, Cub, Pup, and Buckshot all dropped on that same day.
Downloading is no longer required as of Tuesday, but there is no beginner terrain open at Steamboat just yet between Greenhorn Ranch mid station and Sunshine area. Beginners riding in the Sunshine are encouraged to continue to download via the gondola.