Avalanche warning issued

Thursday, Feb. 8, 2001 | 12:26 p.m.

The U.S. Forest Service issued an extreme avalanche warning today for the back country areas of the Spring Mountains.

The area covers Kyle and Lee canyons and Mount Charleston. It does not apply to the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort. The warning is issued for a 24-hour period.

"Safety awareness is our No. 1 priority," District Ranger Tom Kuekes said. The mountains have a history of avalanche activity, so when people engage in winter actitivies, they need to be aware that the potential exists.

More than a foot of snow and winds over 15 miles per hour make conditions favorable for avalanches, the Forest Service press release said. Reports of 16 to 18 inches of new snow fell in the mountains early this morning.

Snows persist in unstable conditions longer under colder temperatures, because it doesn't melt and sink.

For more information call the U.S. Forest Service at 883-8800 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or go to the avalanche website at http://www.avalanche.org.