Avalanche experts in Colorado warn of “significant” risk

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A snowy slope near Beaver Creek is pictured shortly before a skier triggered an avalanche in this image published Nov. 27, 2024, by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. (Colorado Avalanche Information Center)

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Colorado’s 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.

“Laval conditions are more dangerous than we have experienced all season (in) most mountain areas,” the agency wrote a message on social media. “Causing large and dangerous avalanches over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend will be easy. Avalanches will be big enough to hurt or kill you.”

The post included images of the slope at Beaver Creek, where the center said one skier triggered an avalanche that triggered a second. A state-wide map The agency said the risk of avalanches in many areas is “significant,” the third most serious category.

A special avalanche advisory also applies until Sunday at 4:30 PM. The center advises skiers to avoid slopes with an angle steeper than about 30 degrees and instead stick to areas below treeline and southern slopes that do not have a weak snowpack.

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Originally published: November 29, 2024 at 11:05 AM MST