Avalanche forecasts from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center can now be accessed with a phone app.

The Android version of the free app was released this week, Brian Lazar, deputy director of the center, said Thursday. The Apple version should hopefully be ready in a week or so. It must first go through Apple’s review process.

Lazar said the purpose is to “provide a really mobile-friendly version” of the center’s daily avalanche forecasts, which are used by skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers and other backcountry users. For smartphone users, the app will display the forecasts in “a nicer, clearer way” than the website.

Forecasts and observations are available daily for 10 zones around the state. The “Southern San Juans” is most applicable to this part of the state.

There is also a way for the public to submit current observations with the app, Lazar said.

The app was created as a joint effort between the Colorado Avalanche Information Center and the Northwest Avalanche Center, based in Seattle, Lazar said. The Northwest Avalanche Center app uses the same format, but each app is tailored to the region.

The Android app is available at the Google Play store. Future versions of the app are planned, the CAIC said.

johnp@durangoherald.com