The Colorado Avalanche Information Center is urging residents and tourists alike to heed dangerous avalanche conditions in the backcountry this Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend as the number of avalanche deaths in the state continue to increase. 

Four Coloradans have died in avalanches over the last three weekends with more snow in the forecast for Colorado this weekend, officials are urging those looking to recreate in the backcountry to be mindful of conditions before heading out the door.   

The Avalanche Information Center says over 870 avalanches have been recorded in Colorado since December 26, over 50 avalanches were triggered this past weekend alone.

The avalanche danger in most of the state is being rated “considerable.”