Avalanche danger increases for riders back in Colorado as storm brings fresh snow – CBS Denver

SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) – “Check the avalanche conditions.” The director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, Ethan Greene, warned motorists in remote areas after fresh snow fell in the highlands.

That’s great news for those who are finally able to shop for their winter sportswear, but aren’t unaware of the dangers that lie ahead.

(credit: Colorado Avalanche Information Center)

“A lot of snow in a short period of time is a really good recipe for avalanches,” explains Greene.

The warning comes with CAIC’s first avalanche death of the season. The Center reports a tourist in a remote area was captured, buried and killed in an avalanche nearby. Cameron Pass on Christmas Eve. Another reminder of how dangerous things can be and why people need to prepare before heading out.

Luca Riley, a country skier, was one of those prepared. He told CBS4 Mountain Newsroom Correspondent Spencer Wilson that he checked CAIC website before he walks out the door, so he knows what to expect.

“A little bit nervous, that’s the biggest thing. We’ve looked and seen some issues, especially with all the recent snowfall. It’s hard to see how the snow will play out,” said Riley. “So we just decided that we’re going to play cautiously and stay on the main road and not go into any ridges or anything.”

At last check, almost all areas in Colorado were at 3/5, meaning there was a significant avalanche risk.