Avalanche Awareness

Natural Avalanche Slide

NPS Photo/D.Turk

Conditions Update - March 13, 2026

Following recent storms, many slopes will be prime for human-triggered avalanches. Avalanches are very likely in areas that got more than ten inches of new snow. Backcountry travelers are urged to check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center's avalanche forecast frequently and be prepared to adjust plans as conditions evolve.

Visit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center - CAIC webpage at https://avalanche.state.co.us/ and follow them on social media.

 

An avalanche seen on a steep slope above Emerald Lake

NPS

What is an Avalanche?

An avalanche is a mass of snow, often mixed with ice and debris, that moves down an inclined slope of a mountain. An avalanche can be triggered by changes in precipitation or temperature, skiers, snowshoers, or even wildlife.

Avalanches can occur on any slope and hazards may not be clearly visible.

What Should I Do Before Traveling into Avalanche Terrain?

Understand Where You are Recreating - Rocky is a Wilderness Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a wilderness park that offers a wealth of winter recreation opportunities. While recreating in the park, you may also encounter hazards that could lead to serious injury or death.

 

Avalanche Safety Tips:

Know Before You Go!

Before heading out on your winter adventure, take time to learn about the current avalanche forecast for your destination. Start by visiting the Colorado Avalanche Information Center's webpage to learn about avalanche backcountry forecasts, observations, safety information and more.

Be Prepared - Carry Avalanche Safety Gear With You

As the sun warms the snow, natural avalanches can occur. Avoid traveling across or under steep snow slopes unless you have the equipment and knowledge to do so.

When traveling in avalanche country, carry avalanche safety gear and make sure everyone in your party knows how to use their gear before beginning your backcountry trip. Essential avalanche safety gear includes a shovel, avalanche transceiver, a probe, and a first-aid kit.

Take an avalanche safety class

Many organizations offer avalanche safety classes. Taking a class is a great way to learn about avalanche safety and avalanche rescue techniques.

 

Avalanche Beacon Training Park - as seen on March 13, 2026

NPS Photo

Rocky's Avalanche Beacon Training Park is Not Open

There is not enough snow for the park's avalanche beacon training park to open. Please check back for updates.

What is the Avalanche Beacon Training Park?

The NPS opened this avalanche beacon park in 2017 to create a place where backcountry users can practice simulated avalanche searches.

Located a short walk upslope from the Hidden Valley Warming Hut, the avalanche beacon training park is designed for backcountry enthusiasts to practice simulated avalanche searches using their own beacons/transceivers and probes.

The beacon training park has eight transmitters/targets and can be setup for single or multiple scenarios. This beacon training park is set up to be a self-serve system. There are directions on site to run several different practice scenarios, which are located at the main control station.

All training park users should be familiar with avalanche rescue gear and techniques. To use the training park, users will need to bring their own avalanche beacon and probe.

A shovel is recommended while traveling in avalanche terrain, but please do not dig up the beacons in the training park.

Hidden Valley is approximately 7 miles from the Beaver Meadows and Fall River Entrances to RMNP. At an elevation of 9,240, conditions can be cold and windy. Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Protect your skin and body from cold illnesses like frostbite and hypothermia by wearing clothing designed for the conditions.

If you notice a problem with the Avalanche Beacon Training Park, contact the Information Office at 970-586-1206 or email us at [e-mail].

 

NPS

Map to the Hidden Valley Avalanche Beacon Training Park