A special avalanche advisory is in effect today for the West Elk Mountains, including the Ruby Ranges, and is set to continue through Sunday.

According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), the avalanche danger is considerable in those areas, meaning that dangerous avalanche conditions are present. The CAIC says that “careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making” are essential in these conditions.

“Today may feel extra-enticing with bluebird skies after the storm,” the CAIUC wrote in an Instagram post. “Don’t let sunshine and fresh snow lull you into letting your guard down. Cracking, collapsing and recent avalanche activity – including close calls like these – are all signs that avalanches are bigger and easier to trigger.”

The CAIC also reported that they’ve heard of two avalanche incidents one of which was outside of Marble and another near Irwin. Both of these areas are in the “bullseye” of the special avalanche advisory.

In the Marble avalanche incident, a skier reportedly skied out of a large avalanche that was capable of burying him. Snow safety personnel were caught and carried in a small slide while working in closed terrain during the incident that occurred in Irwin. No injuries were reported in both incidents.

The CAIC advises sticking to lower-angle terrain and avoiding connected avalanche paths. Backcountry recreationists should also use what they’re seeing and hearing to make safe choices.

“A near miss is a free lesson… if you’re willing to listen,” the CAIC wrote in the Instagram post.

Check out more information about avalanches and the current forecast here.