As the snow continues to pile up across Colorado and with the Steamboat Ski Resort seeing more than four feet stacking up this week, avalanche ratings from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center remain high for the Park Range with avalanche warnings in place in many areas.

However, avalanche risks don’t stop in the backcountry and can run right up to your home.

“It might not appear to present much of a risk, but roofs can hold a significant amount of snow based on our building snow load guidelines and should carry the same snow awareness and respect,” said Todd Carr, Routt County regional building official. “Property owners should understand the risks and utilize proper safety precautions when dealing with snow on their roofs at all times.”

Property owners or managers should also be aware of the potential threat of snow slides, snow drifting over the roof edges and ice build-up on structures. Temperature changes like what the valley has seen recently can cause snow or ice to break-off along edges and fall to the ground or onto your walking surfaces along your building.

“Always be mindful and avoid being under roofs with large snow loads and make sure children don’t play in these areas,” said Carr. “Roof awareness should remain top of mind until the last flake is gone from our buildings in a few months.”

The Steamboat Springs area has been hit by a series of storms with fluctuating temperatures. The Steamboat Ski Resort has 232 inches for the season with March and April still to come.

The Regional Building Department encourages evaluating roof conditions and taking appropriate steps to mitigate any potential risks that may exist. Risks vary depending upon building location, roof style, roof pitch and type of roofing materials.

If snow mitigation is required, please take extra safety precautions when removing snow or ice from your roof as this process can be extremely dangerous. If the work is beyond your capability, there are local professionals that specialize in providing this service safely.

The National Weather Service in Grand Junction issued an avalanche warning for much of Routt County on Sunday evening through the end of the day Tuesday. The NWS has rated the avalanche danger as high. Travel in backcountry terrain is not recommended and travel on and under slopes steeper than 30 degrees should be avoided.

For more information, go to colorado.gov/avalanche