Colorado avalanche experts warn of ‘considerable’ risk

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This image released Nov. 27, 2024, by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center shows a snowy slope near Beaver Creek shortly before a skier triggered an avalanche. (Colorado Avalanche Information Center)

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The Colorado Avalanche Information Center says large avalanches are possible this weekend, including around popular ski spots like Vail and Breckenridge, after a skier triggered one near Beaver Creek.

“Avalanche conditions are more dangerous than we have experienced all season (in) most mountain areas,” the agency wrote in a post on social media. “It will be easy to trigger large, dangerous avalanches over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The avalanches will be big enough to injure or kill you.”

The post included images of the slope near Beaver Creek where the center said a skier caused an avalanche that triggered a second one. a state map maintained by the agency classifies the avalanche risk in many areas as “considerable,” the third most serious category.

A special avalanche warning will also be in effect until 4:30 pm Sunday. The center advises skiers to stay off slopes with an angle greater than about 30 degrees and instead stick to areas below the tree line and southern slopes that do not have a weak layer snow.

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Originally Posted: November 29, 2024 at 11:05 am MST

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