Roof Avalanches are a Serious Threat in Colorado

During Colorado's cold winters, residents can expect to experience weather conditions involving ice, snow, and sub-zero temperatures. Many Coloradans prepare their cars and homes for freezing season by doing things like putting on snow tires, getting a furnace tune-up, and pulling out the shovels.

Being prepared ahead of time can prevent dangerous situations from occurring when harsher weather inevitably does hit.

One of the most dangerous threats that comes along with heavy snow is the possibility of avalanches. While avalanches are expected to happen in certain areas of Colorado's high country, they can also occur much closer to home - or even at home.

Roof avalanches are a serious danger that Coloradans can face during the wintertime. In some scenarios, roof slides have even led to tragic, fatal outcomes. Roof avalanches usually happen during heavy snowstorms or when there's a rapid warming after a big storm.

On March 16, 2023, Colorado Avalanche Information Center reported that a Durango father and two children were caught in a roof avalanche while moving between a building and a vehicle. All three were buried in avalanche debris. One of the children later died from injuries sustained in the tragic incident.

In March 2024 two teenagers playing outside a home in Breckenridge were partially buried during a roof avalanche. One of the teens was seriously injured.

Tragedies like this can be prevented by incorporating snow retention systems on roofs. It's recommended that Colorado homeowners install snow retention systems like bars, fences, or guards on their roofs. Roofing contractors can retrofit a snow retention system onto almost any roof, which greatly decreases the chance of an avalanche happening.

While there are the occasional accidents and exceptions, in general, properly installed snow retention systems help avoid almost all roof snow avalanches. In a majority of situations, snow is held back by the roof's retention system and then released gradually so avalanches do not occur. To further prevent any avalanche activity, homeowners should regularly clear snow from the roof as well.

The CAIC warns Coloradans that if there is more than a foot or two of snow on the roof, avoid being under it at all costs, for any extended period of time.