Coconino County officials are alerting motorists and people in the back-country areas of possible avalanches in the San Francisco peaks through at least Tuesday. From Phoenix, KJZZ’s Lynn Kelly reports.

There is little danger to motorists who stick to the main roads, but authorities say the back roads are another story.

Deputy Search and Rescue Coordinator Dave Garrison says there is a huge risk of being seriously hurt or even killed in an avalanche because it is so difficult to find an avalanche victim.

“By the time professional search and rescue can respond, unfortunately a lot of times it’s proven to be fatal if there’s a complete burial of the victim by the avalance,” Garrison said.

Travelers can mitigate the dangers they face by not being out alone and carrying rescue equipment like a beacon and shovels.