With the new snow that has fallen over Colorado, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is warning those heading into the backcountry of heightened avalanche risk.

According to the CAIC, parts of the northern and central mountains got more than a foot of new snow, which landed on a weak, thin snowpack. The avalanche danger is now at “considerable,” according to the CAIC, which ranks avalanche danger on a 1-5 scale. Considerable ranks at three on the danger scale.

The CAIC warned that backcountry adventurers can easily trigger persistent slab avalanches that break on the “old snow surface,” in the Park Range, as well as the Elk, West Elk, and Ruby Ranges.

“Seeing shooting cracks or hearing audible collapses are clear signs to avoid steep slopes,” the CAIC wrote in a Facebook post.

The CAIC said that skiers can find safer riding on south-facing slopes in these mountain ranges or stick to slopes that are under about 30 degrees.

As for southern mountain ranges, the CAIC said those recreating in those areas should assess the slopes for instability where there is more than about eight inches of drifted snow.

Historically, this holiday weekend sees an increase in accidents related to avalanches, according to the CAIC.

“Show your partners some love today and get home safely,” the CAIC wrote.

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