On Thursday, avalanche danger around Aspen broke records.
For the first time ever, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) forecasted extremeavalanche danger in the Elk Mountains and much of Colorado’s mountain corridor.
Extreme avalanche danger is the most severe, and is rare. A rating like this hasn’t been issued in the state in five years.
According to Spencer Logan, a forecaster with the CAIC, this combination of rain, and heavy snow over an older, weak layer of snow is historic.
"This certainly could be a once in a lifetime confluence of events," said Logan.
The extent of the warning, which covers most of Intermountain Colorado, is unprecedented. Almost 20 miles of Interstate 70 were closed after a slide ruptured a gas line. Arapaho Basin Ski resort was forced to close because there's too much heavy, wet snow.
Extreme danger means that avalanches are certain. Travel near avalanche terrain should be avoided, even if it's not steep or below treeline.
Backcountry travel is not recommended.