KUSA - Two skiers survived two separate avalanches in Colorado on Saturday afternoon.
One was in Larimer County, on Cameron Pass.
The skier got caught up in the slide, but swam to stay on top of the snow. That person escaped with an injured knee.
On Berthoud Pass, a backcountry skier triggered a slide, but wasn't hurt. Still, it took rescue crews hours to get to her.
The avalanche danger is high in most places across Colorado. Experts say it's because of a rapid transition from a cold snap to warmer temperatures, and the recent dump of snow the high country has seen.
The woman trapped on Berthoud Pass was skiing with friends, but she had gone off by herself when she triggered the slide.
Rescuers say the snow is only about three or four feet deep, but the slide was big enough the woman was afraid to come down on her own.
Rescue crews from Grand County, as well as volunteer rescuers worked for hours to safely get the woman down.
Rescuers say she was experienced at backcountry skiing, which experts say is crucial, given the avalanche conditions.
"We always tell people to think about it," Grand County Emergency Management Director Ray Jennings said. "Look what you're getting into and do what's safe for you. It's great powder. A lot of people are having a good time and that's what we want people to do. We want them to have a great time in Colorado's back country, but we want them to do it as safely as possible."
When heading into the backcountry, experts say the most crucial piece of equipment to carry is an avalanche beacon.
It's unclear whether the woman rescued from Berthoud Pass had a beacon, since she was not buried.
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