Independence Pass opens today @ noon! Every spring, CAIC collaborates with Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) on the annual Indy Pass avalanche mitigation effort on Hwy 82 between Twin Lakes and Aspen. Here are a few of the images from this year’s successful mission.

#FunFactFriday This image shows exposed percolation columns. Percolation columns develop when water percolates down into the snowpack and then freezes. Winds eroded the surrounding snow, leaving the columns extending into the sky.

#CAICSmountains LOW(1of5) Avalanche conditions are generally safe. Check the forecast, make a plan, carry safety equipment, and avoid terrain traps where a small avalanche could be dangerous. Start and finish your day early to avoid any danger. colorado.gov/avalanche

#CAICcmountains LOW(1of5) Most slopes will be safe early in the day. The most dangerous areas are near treeline, where crusts are weakest, and on easterly-facing slopes that have the most snow. If you punch into wet snow, call it a day. colorado.gov/avalanche

#CAICnmountains LOW(1of5) Most slopes will be safe early in the day. The most dangerous areas are near the treeline, where crusts are weakest, and on easterly-facing slopes with the most snow. If you punch into wet snow, call it a day. colorado.gov/avalanche

#CAICSmountains LOW(1of5) Avalanche conditions are generally safe. Check the forecast, make a plan, carry safety equipment, avoid terrain trap where a small avalanche could be dangerous. Starting and finishing early increases your safety. colorado.gov/avalanche

#CAICnmountains MOD(2of5) Most slopes will be safe early in the day. The most dangerous areas are near treeline where crusts are weakest and on easterly facing slopes that have the most white snow. If you punch into wet snow head to colder areas. colorado.gov/avalanche

#CAICcmountains MOD(2of5) Most slopes will be safe early in the day. The most dangerous areas are near treeline where crusts are weakest and on easterly facing slopes that have the most white snow. If you punch into wet snow head to colder areas. colorado.gov/avalanche

#CAICcmountains MOD(2of5) Depending on the overnight freeze slopes will be safe in the morning but will become more dangerous as the day warms. If you are punching into wet snow you could trigger a wet avalanche large enough to knock you over or carry you. colorado.gov/avalanche

#CAICnmountains MOD(2of5) Depending on the overnight freeze slopes will be safe in the morning but will become more dangerous as the day warms. If you are punching into wet snow you could trigger a wet avalanche large enough to knock you over or carry you. colorado.gov/avalanche

#CAICSmountains LOW(1of5) Avalanche conditions are generally safe. Check the forecast, make a plan, carry safety equipment, avoid terrain trap where a small avalanche could be dangerous. Starting and finishing early increases your safety. colorado.gov/avalanche

#CAICnmountains MOD(2of5) Loose wet avalanches increase in likelihood as the sun warms up Saturday's new snow. Wet avalanches can run fast and far on slick crusts beneath. colorado.gov/avalanche

#CAICSmountains LOW(1of5) Avalanche conditions are generally safe. Check the forecast, make a plan, carry safety equipment, and avoid terrain trap where a small avalanche could be dangerous. colorado.gov/avalanche

colorado.gov/avalanche

#CAICcmountains LOW(1of5) Avalanche conditions are generally safe. Avoid steep slopes if the new snow feels wet. colorado.gov/avalanche

colorado.gov/avalanche

#CAICnmountains MOD(2of5) New snow and strong winds will leave drifted snow above treeline. Avoid areas of drifted snow on steep slopes and in high-consequence terrain. Look out for and avoid wet snow in the PM. colorado.gov/avalanche

#CAICSmountains LOW(1of5) Avalanche conditions are generally safe. Check the forecast, make a plan, carry safety equipment, and avoid terrain traps where a small avalanche could be dangerous. colorado.gov/avalanche

colorado.gov/avalanche

#CAICcmountains LOW(1of5) Avalanche conditions are generally safe. Keep an eye out for areas of wind-drifted snow in steep, consequential terrain. colorado.gov/avalanche

colorado.gov/avalanche

JOIN OUR TEAM❗We're hiring 3 motivated avalanche professionals for the 2024-25 season.
❄️ Southern Mtns Regional Manager
❄️ Southern Mtns Senior Avalanche Forecaster
❄️ Central Mtns Avalanche Forecaster
These are benefitted positions. Apply by June 14 @ avalanche.state.co.us/employment

#CAICcmountains MOD(2of5) New snow and strong winds will leave drifted snow above treeline. Avoid areas of drifted snow on steep slopes and in high-consequence terrain. colorado.gov/avalanche colorado.gov/avalanche

#CAICnmountains MOD(2of5) New snow and strong winds will leave drifted snow above treeline. Avoid areas of drifted snow on steep slopes and in high-consequence terrain. colorado.gov/avalanche colorado.gov/avalanche