Gunnison

A Special Avalanche Advisory is in effect for the West Elk Wilderness. You can easily trigger large and dangerous avalanches on most slopes. Traveling in backcountry avalanche terrain requires cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making to stay safe. Avoid travel on or under slopes steeper than around 30 degrees on aspects of concern and on slopes where you find more than about a foot of snow.

The most dangerous slopes face west to north through southeast. Here, avalanches will break on weak snow buried near the ground, they can break wide connecting multiple terrain features, and you can trigger them from long distances away. Be aware of steep slopes above you and other parties traveling near or below you.

Watch for wet snow at low elevations as you can trigger a small loose avalanche that can knock you off your feet. If you find snow saturated by rain, avoid steep slopes above terrain traps such as a creek, a gully, or a cliff.