An avalanche warning for the northern and portions of the central mountains of Colorado, including the Sawatch range, was issued by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center at 8:41am today (Thursday).  According to the warning,

Heavy snow is likely to continue through Thursday.  Avalanche danger is quickly rising to the high level four category.  Natural and human-triggered slides are likely.  Some of these may be very large and dangerous.  Backcountry travelers are advised to stay well clear of avalanche terrain on Thursday.  This statement is of particular interest to persons using the backcountry outside developed ski area boundaries.

For further information, call 303-275-536 in Denver, or visit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center’s webpage at http://avalanche.state.co.us/