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Warning is out about threats of falling ice, snow at Big Four Ice Caves

As the weather warms up, the warning is out on threats of collapsing ice and snow at the Big Four Ice Caves.

At Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, rangers are out greeting hikers and reminding them of the hazards at the end of Ice Caves Trail.

“Summer is the most popular time for this trail but also the most dangerous,” said Colton Whitworth, public affairs specialist with the U.S. Forest Service.

Whitworth said that, as the temperatures go up, the snow and ice that form the ice caves at the base of Big Four Mountain will become more unstable.

It’s the base of an avalanche so it’s not just snow and ice that could come down on you but rocks, gravels and other debris as well,” said Whitworth.

Visitors on the Ice Caves Trail said they know the risks.

“I am always thinking defensively when I am in nature because lots of things can happen,” said Pamela Damon.

Four people have died at the Ice Caves in the last 20 years.

Rangers are putting more warning signs up to keep people on the trail and away from the Ice Caves.

They are also doing annual training exercises with first responders and search and rescue teams to prepare for possible emergencies.

Rangers said they can’t force people not to go into the cave so they hope education will help.

Andrew Know, a father from Lake Stevens who came to the trail with his two young sons, said warning signs help but common sense is critical.

“I think it's hard because you can’t put guardrail on everything so you have to use your brain and beware of danger that’s all around you,” said Knox.

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