Sawatch

An Avalanche Watch is in effect for the southern Sawatch mountains. Heavy snow and strong winds will create very dangerous avalanche conditions beginning Wednesday night and lasting through Friday morning. Avalanches will break wide across terrain features and run long distances. Many will run naturally. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended

For Wednesday, the most dangerous slopes face northwest through east to southeast near and above treeline. If you trigger an avalanche here it will likely break wider and run farther than you expect. You can trigger an avalanche from below a slope or from a distance so be aware of steep slopes above you. Safer travel options exist below treeline and on south through southwest-facing slopes.