Gunnison

The most dangerous areas are wind-loaded, northerly and east-facing slopes. If you trigger an avalanche here, it may travel farther than you expect gaining mass and momentum as it gouges into older, cohesionless snow. Soft snow where your feet, skis, or machine sink deep indicates a wind-sheltered slope, where you are unlikely to trigger a slab avalanche. However, on wind-sheltered slopes facing the north half of the compass, be cautious of small loose avalanches on slopes steeper than 40 degrees. Though small, they can still knock you over and drag you through trees or rocks.