Avalanche safety tips

Nick Koziara
·1 min read

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — Colorado avalanches have been wreaking havoc on the Western Slope this winter.

A backcountry skier died in an avalanche near Crested Butte on Sunday. A snowmobiler was completely buried during a Feb. 8 Grand Mesa avalanche, but survived thanks to what Colorado Avalanche Information Center officials are calling “a very impressive companion rescue.” A snowboarder died in a San Miguel County avalanche near Telluride in January.

According to the CAIC, 11 people have been caught in avalanches this February as of Monday.

WesternSlopeNow’s storm team takes a look at some safety tips to keep you safe in the backcountry:

  • Take an avalanche safety course beforehand

  • Learn to recognize avalanche terrain

  • Always take transceivers, probes and shovels

  • Analyze snowpack stability

  • Cross potential slopes one person at a time

  • Allow new snow to settle 24 hours before travel

Be sure to check the CAIC website for the latest avalanche forecasting data.

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