Springtime in #RMNP makes snow mushy, slushy & soft. You may posthole, even in snowshoes.
Ice on lakes is melting. For your safety, it is strongly advised to avoid walking on lakes, even if they look frozen. Use extra caution near inlets, outlets & rocks, where ice can be thinner

CAIC produces daily backcountry avalanche forecasts through May to help backcountry travelers stay safe. Go to Colorado.gov/avalanche to get the forecast for wherever you plan to travel. NOTE: Backcountry WEATHER Forecast discussions have ended for the 2023-24 season.

#CAICnmountains MOD(2of5) Watch for drifted snow below cornices and in steep couloirs and gullies. Most avalanches will be small, but don't rule out a large one where you find fresh drifts deeper than a foot. You can push loose avalanches as the snow warms.colorado.gov/avalanche

Last weekend's precipitation boosted snowpack levels back above average. Northern Water's West Slope snowpack monitoring sites are now collectively at 107 percent of median and the East Slope stations are at 106 percent.

#RMNP has rain and snow showers in the forecast parkwide today through Thurs night-Friday. Seriously - be prepared for snow falling on you if you come to RMNP. This is our springtime!

🌩️ See a FLASH, DASH inside!

Every year, lightning kills about 20 people in the United States and severely injures hundreds more.

Don't be a statistic. If you see lightning or hear thunder, head into a sturdy building.

weather.gov/safety/lightni…

#CAICsmountains LOW(1of5) You can trigger avalanches in warming surface snow. Limit your travel on or below steep slopes where you see rollerballs, pinwheels, or wet, gloppy snow. Starting and ending your day early will limit exposure to wet snow problems. colorado.gov/avalanche

#CAICnmountains MOD(2of5) Look for and avoid areas of wind-drifted snow. These have a rounded smooth appearance. If they crack, head to lower-angle terrain. On sunny slopes look for roller balls and sinking into wet gloppy snow past your ankles. colorado.gov/avalanche

Snow showers will end mid morning over the northern mountains. Gusty west winds to 40 mph then develop by afternoon over and near the mountains, foothills, and far northern Colorado. #cowx

It will be dry and warmer today. Breezy in the mountains, foothills and along the Cheyenne Ridge, with gusts from 25 to 35 mph. High temperatures will range from the 30s and 40s in the mountains, to around 70 across the plains. #COwx

Gray skies in #RMNP

#US34 westbound: Roadway reopened to traffic between County Road 22H and Moodie Street. co.c-tr.us/?type=event&id…

#US34 westbound: Road closed due to a rock slide between County Road 22H and Moodie Street. co.c-tr.us/?type=event&id…

#CAICcmountains MOD(2of5) You can trigger an avalanche in the new snow. Most avalanches will be small but they could grow large on wind-drifted slopes or dangerous above terrain traps. Avoid steep slopes with over a foot of new snow. colorado.gov/avalanche

#CAICsmountains MOD(2of5) Fresh snow, deep drifted slabs, and new snow shedding from periods of sunshine keep the avalanche danger elevated. Limit travel below slopes with wet, new snow and stick to lower angled slopes if you see cracking in drifted areas. colorado.gov/avalanche

The traction control law is no longer in effect in #RMNP . AWD/4WD advised. Use caution.

Webcam roundup from the mountains and foothills. Moderate to heavy snow will gradually become lighter this afternoon. Snow reports (ideally with picture & location) are appreciated! #COwx

NWS Forecasts for #RMNP :
Bear Lake forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?l…
Estes Park forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?l…
Grand Lake forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?l…
It's snowing now & supposed to continue for a while. WINTER WEATHER WARNING until tomorrow morning for east side. Traction Law in effect.

Traction Law in RMNP means all vehicles (4WD, AWD, 2WD) must have properly rated tires (Mud+Snow, Mountain+Snow, All-Weather) with a minimum 3/16' tread. Otherwise, you must use an approved traction control device, including snow chains, cables, tire/snow socks, studded tires.

Traction Law is currently in effect in #RMNP . Plows are working on clearing roads. Be aware & prepared. What do you need for Traction Law? See the section on this RMNP webpage nps.gov/romo/planyourv…