Colorado avalanche risk low to moderate, expected to increase with coming storm

Another strong storm is moving into the high country just in time for the weekend, increasing concern for avalanches on Friday and Saturday.

With less active weather the last week, the number of avalanches each day has dropped, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center's Brian Lazar.

But with more snow and wind expected, experts warn that the low to moderate risk will likely not last long.

This photo, shared by the CAIC, shows the type of avalanches the CAIC is worried about with new snow moving in. Ski, snowboard, and snowmobile-triggered avalanches are happening on steeper slopes drifted by winds. Rocky, steep, shady, shallow slopes will be the most dangerous.

Wind in the high country will be strong, which adds to the threat of avalanches going into the weekend. The area of most concern is the Flat Top Mountains, where danger is at a Moderate level (2 out of 5). The Central and Northern mountains are also under a Moderate danger for avalanches.

All other mountain areas are under a low danger (1 out of 5).

Anyone traveling in the backcountry should always carry proper safety gear, including an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel, and know how to use those tools. Daily avalanche forecasts can be found at Avalanche.State.Co.us/