DENVER (KDVR) — An Avalanche Warning is in effect for parts of the high country due to heavy snowfall and strong winds expected this weekend.

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center at 4:30 p.m. Friday issued the warning for the Steamboat and Buffalo Pass area, along with Vail Pass and parts of Summit County.

An avalanche warning is implemented when there is a high or extreme chance of danger within at least two out of three elevation bands. Each of the three bands is assigned to its own avalanche danger rating, such as “below treeline” or “above treeline,” according to the agency’s website.

The agency also noted Colorado had a reported 139 avalanches across the state this past week, indicating “that some slopes are already dangerous.”

“New snow and strong winds will rapidly create wind-drifted slabs on steep slopes, creating very dangerous avalanche conditions over a wider area,” said the agency.

According to the warning, traveling in the backcountry within the Park Range and Gore Range areas is not recommended.

In addition, NewsNation affiliate, KDVR, reported that a winter storm warning is also going into effect for much of the high country Friday night until Saturday night, with snow totals varying widely depending on town and elevation.

For avalanche warnings and more information, people can use the Colorado Avalanche Information Center’s website.

KDVR’s Pinpoint Weather team will also continue to update the forecast in the upcoming days.