Gunnison

Tricky avalanche conditions exist. You can trigger a deadly avalanche on an unusual, weak layer of snow buried about two to four feet below the snow surface. You might be able to travel on a slope dozens of times before triggering an avalanche so keep in mind that tracks on a slope do not mean that slope is safe. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche on shallow, uneven slopes facing west through north to southeast near and above treeline and on slopes that already avalanched earlier this season. To decrease your chances of being injured or killed in an avalanche avoid uneven, rocky slopes where it is easier to impact the buried weak snow. If you aren't sure about the specific slope and want safer travel options just avoid traveling on or directly under slopes steeper than about 30 degrees on aspects of concern.