A large portion of the mountains of Colorado are currently under an avalanche warning following the past several days of snowfall. Of the several regions of the state monitored and forecasted by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, nine are at a high danger level and eight are under avalanche warnings.
Many of the avalanche warnings run through Wednesday evening, while others extend into Thanksgiving day. A mix of heavy snowfall and high winds make for very dangerous conditions, with a high likelihood of large, easily-triggered avalanches throughout the state.
Several other regions sit at a considerable avalanche danger, while a select few areas are under the moderate danger level. Always make sure to check any avalanche forecasts and have the proper avalanche training and understanding before heading out into the backcountry, no matter the danger level.
The North American Avalanche Danger Scale has five levels in order to represent and communicate the danger of avalanches to those recreating in the backcountry. The low danger level means conditions are generally safe, though recreators should still keep a close watch for unstable snow.
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From their the scale goes up to moderate, then to considerable, then to high, and all the way to extreme danger. At a high danger, travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Natural avalanches are likely and human-triggered avalanches are very likely, and some very large avalanches in specific areas are possible.