Full list of states under "high" avalanche warning

Montana, Utah, Idaho and Colorado are under a "high" danger warning for avalanches from Monday until Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Why It Matters

Recent snowfall over the past few days, accompanied by strong winds, has created areas with widespread "unstable" snow, the NWS said. People are urged to avoid mountain slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

The NWS is also advising that people carry rescue equipment for avalanches with them, saying that both natural and "human-triggered" avalanches are very likely.

What To Know

Following are the areas affected by the NWS warning:

Colorado: The regions of Park Range, Rabbit Ears Pass, Elk Head Mountains, Gore and Elk mountains, Flat Top Mountains, West Elk Mountains, Williams Fork Mountains, Ruby Range, Ten Mile Range, Never Summer Mountains, Front Range and Medicine Bow Mountains.

Idaho: The area of Bear River Range in the southeast region of the state.

Utah: Uinta Mountains, Wasatch Range, Bear River Range and the Wellsville Mountains.

Montana: The Bridger Range, north of Bozeman.

What People Are Saying

NWS Meteorologist Linda Cheng in the Salt Lake City office told Newsweek: "We've been snowing on and off since Christmas," adding that "it can happen this time of year."

She continued: "Most of the snow has been in the mountains, which contributes to a higher avalanche risk." NWS Salt Lake City also has received reports of 100 mph wind gusts "in the higher peaks," she said.

NWS Salt Lake City posted to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday about the warning, saying, "The Avalanche Warning has been extended through 6am MST Tuesday. Multiple days of heavy snow combined with strong winds have created widespread areas of unstable snow. Avoid all avalanche terrain and visit http://utahavalanchecenter.org for more information. #utwx"

The NWS in Boulder, Colorado, said on X: "High Wind Warning. Strong winds spread across the entire region this morning. Expected peak wind gusts of 50-60 mph with locally stronger gusts in/near mountains and foothills. Winds gradually decrease this afternoon and early evening."

What Happens Next

The warnings expire Tuesday at 5 a.m. Mountain Standard Time or 6 a.m. MST, the NWS said.

The Salt Lake City region is still seeing "snow showers this evening with another storm expected on Wednesday," Cheng said.