Avalanche Warning Issued, Back Country Travel Discouraged Into Friday

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DENVER (CBS4) - The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has issued an avalanche warning for some of the northern mountains of Colorado, including the Front Range Mountains, Medicine Bow Mountains, Ten Mile Range, Gore Range areas around Vail.

The warning goes through Friday morning but could be extended.

On a scale of 1-5 the current danger level is at a 4, and is highest near and above treeline.

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Heavy snow and strong westerly winds are expected through Thursday night and that will overload the weak snowpack currently in place.

Large natural avalanches are expected over the next 24 hours. Back country travel is discouraged in the warned areas.

Meteorologist Chris Spears travels weekly in the CBS4 Mobile Weather Lab reporting about Colorado's weather and climate. Check out his bio, connect with him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.