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May Snowstorm Heightens Avalanche Risks

DENVER (AP/CBS4) — Colorado's May snowstorm is increasing the state's avalanche danger.

Ethan Greene of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center says that the new snow is landing on top of a thick hard pack of earlier snowfall.

Strong winds can dislodge it and start avalanches. The danger may persist for several more weeks because much of the snow in the Rockies hasn't started to melt.

Snowboarders triggered a small slide on Berthoud Pass Saturday.

More than a foot of snow has fallen in some parts of Colorado's mountains since the storm began Sunday. Eight people have died in avalanches this year in the state.

LINK: Colorado Avalanche Information Center

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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