- The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is warning of increased avalanche danger in Colorado's mountains due to a major winter storm arriving on Tuesday, February 17.
- The storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall and strong winds, creating widespread blowing and drifting snow that will rapidly load an already weak snowpack, increasing the likelihood of large and destructive avalanches.
- CAIC is advising backcountry travelers to avoid avalanche terrain and runout zones during periods of HIGH avalanche danger, which could occur as early as Tuesday afternoon in some areas.