Avalanche warning following spring storm
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center is issuing a special avalanche advisory following heavy snowfall in the Rocky Mountains:
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Special Avalanche Advisory
Significant snowfall over the last 48 hours along with moderate to at times strong easterly winds created dangerous avalanche conditions for today. Continued snowfall for the next 24+ hours will keep conditions dangerous into Monday. Avalanches breaking in the accumulating storm snow are likely on all steep slopes. Some of these avalanches will be large enough to bury a person.
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According to the Center, 27 people have been killed in avalanches in the U.S. in the 2015-2016, with 4 deaths occurring in Colorado.
The U.S. Forest Service also offers several tips to prepare for an avalanche, including what you need to know, and have on you, to survive one:
Winter adventure safety tips:
Be responsible: Your safety and the safety of others around you is your primary responsibility. What you wear, where you go, the equipment you carry and how you conduct yourself is vitally important.
Be avalanche savvy: Know the three conditions present for an avalanche. Take a certified avalanche course.
Be aware: Know the avalanche danger/conditions where you will be recreating. Heed all warnings.
Be prepared: Have at least these three safety items with you at all times and know how to use them. Everyone in your party should carry each of these items:
Avalanche transceiver: Know the terrain and avoid dangerous conditions. If you are caught in an avalanche, use your avalanche transceiver to help others in your party find you.
Avalanche probes: These collapsible poles are longer than ski poles and are the perfect tool to begin searching for someone buried under the snow.
Shovel: Each person in your party should carry a shovel. Shovels can help you dig others out who may be caught in an avalanche, help determine snowpack conditions, assist in leveling out an area for a tent, or be used to melt snow for drinking water.
Backpack: Your pack should hold all your rescue gear, food, water, dry clothing, first-aid kit and other items.
Partner: None of the above pieces of equipment will help you if you venture into the backcountry alone – always bring a buddy.
