Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley are bracing for a heightened risk of wildfires this summer due to severe drought conditions and historically low snowpack levels, marking the worst snowpack in over 40 years. Coupled with forecasts of above-normal spring temperatures, this creates a significant risk of early and intense wildfires. Local, regional, and state agencies are collaborating on fire mitigation strategies, with the National Weather Service predicting an early start to the wildfire season in June.