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Avalanche Danger High For Backcountry Skiers

FRISCO, Colo. (CBS4) – Continued snowfall in the high country is resulting in high avalanche danger for backcountry skiers.

Brian Lazar is the deputy director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

At the center he uses technology including infrared imaging, radar and weather models to track avalanche danger across the state.

Avalanche Danger Map

Lazar tries to stay a step ahead of the storm and keep an eye out for avalanches that could trigger.

"We're getting a lot of snow with a lot of wind. When we rapidly load the snowpack like that we are expecting a wide spread cycle of avalanches," said Lazar.

An avalanche warning was placed in effect on Sunday and will remain active until noon on Monday as snow comes in intense bursts.

According to Lazar, in the last 24 hours up to 14 inches of snow has fallen in the Front Range zone and up to eight more inches is expected.

"Right now we've had enough snow and enough recent loading and rapid loading to put us in high danger. We have a five tiered scale rating avalanche danger from low to extreme, right now we're at level four," said Lazar.

"It's going to be very easy for a person to trigger avalanches that are large enough to bury or kill you."

Skier Rick Kogosky said he's trying to stay out of the danger zone.

"My son and I are going to stay in low angled avalanche terrain. We should be okay," said Kogosky.

Lazar suggests backcountry skiers check the CAIC's website hourly and carry a beacon.

LINK: Colorado Avalanche Information Center

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