Avalanche forecasters recently raised warning flags following a pair of skier-triggered snowslides. Neither skier was injured.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) suggests that backcountry skiers stay clear of steeper slopes or simply wait for greater depth of solid snow.
The first occurred Tuesday near Independence Pass. The skier was caught in the avalanche and pulled off their feet.
The second avalanche happened Friday in Mountain Boy Gulch, south of Independence Pass, on a north-facing slope.
The skier was traveling quickly and moved out of the slide’s path.
CAIC said dry snow from an October storm is now the weak base for additional depth. Both of the locations that slid last week are subject to drifting that proves attractive to early season recreationists. “Attractive for riding, but also the slopes with enough snow for avalanches.”