DENVER (KDVR) — If you’re planning a trek into the high country this weekend, then you should take heed of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center’s latest warning.
According to CAIC, a special avalanche advisory was put into effect at 5 p.m. on Feb. 24 for mountainous regions in Colorado. The advisory is set to run until Feb. 27 at 11 p.m.
Here are the zones listed:
- Steamboat & Flat Tops
- Front Range
- Vail & Summit County
- Sawatch Range
- Aspen
- Gunnison
- Grand Mesa
- Northern San Juan
- Southern San Juan
- Sangre de Cristo
Backcountry avalanches have been reported consistently since Feb. 19, according to CAIC.
On Thursday morning, the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office reported an avalanche that led to the closure of McClure Pass.
On Friday, backcountry snowshoers triggered a deadly avalanche that killed a man and two dogs in their party.
What to do before heading into the backcountry
Luck favors the prepared, and these common Coloradan occurrences, like most things, can be studied and learned from.
Responders are warning people of the following:
- Backcountry travelers must be aware of the consequences of an avalanche, even if small.
- Travelers in undeveloped ski areas should travel with a transceiver, shovel and probe.
- Reference the Colorado Avalanche Information Center website for avalanche warnings.
The live warning map constantly updates answers to questions you may have in regards to avalanche safety.
Backcountry avalanche workshop March 3
If you are interested in hoofing it into the backcountry but feel underequipped when it comes to having all the knowledge needed to safely do so, then consider partaking in the Colorado Backcountry Avalanche Workshop being held digitally on March 3 at 5:30 p.m., the cost of which will total $8. You can sign up for the virtual meeting on the Colorado Mountain School’s sign-up page.