KUSA - Colorado mountains are beautiful during the winter but also dangerous for avalanche activity. On average, 5 to 6 people die in winter weather natural hazards. That number doubled last year.
Brian Lazer of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center says that most avalanches can be avoided by learning about the current avalanche conditions, carrying the appropriate gear and getting the appropriate training so they know how to use that gear.
"A transceiver, avalanche probe and shovel are required pieces for back country safety equipment," Lazer said.
Also, avalanche airbags are increasing in popularity for back country recreationalists. The idea of the airbags is to keep someone who is caught in an avalanche closer to the surface or maybe not buried at all.
"It inflates a very large balloon, and it's just like the can of mixed nuts. The big ones will rise to the surface," Lazer said.
(KUSA-TV © 2013 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)