Officials with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center warn backcountry users to be extra cautious this weekend, as avalanche danger remains elevated, and backcountry travels are likely to increase.

The center's special avalanche statement is in place from Friday morning through Monday.

“There have been two avalanche fatalities in Colorado since Feb. 13. This brings avalanche fatalities to six for the season,” the bulletin states.

Last year, avalanche fatalities totaled seven for the entire 2010-11 season.

“Over the last week, seven people have been caught in avalanches. Two people have been seriously injured and required hospital care,” officials said.

Very large avalanches have been reported across the state, a trend that's likely to continue through the holiday weekend. Many officials call the snowpack “spooky,” with widespread cracking and settling and activity in places that are typically skiable terrain.

“Do not let the upcoming holiday weekend or the nice weather in any way fool you into thinking the avalanche conditions are anything but very serious across Colorado,” the center advised.

— Janice Kurbjun