Avalanche forecast

Southeast Mountains

Crested Butte Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You can find sensitive conditions at upper elevations, where you encounter wind-drifted snow.  Slopes that held weak, old snow before the storm are the most suspect; typically, the north half of the compass.  Most avalanches would be small in size, but being dragged through the shallow snowpack could be dangerous.  You can find safer options in wind-protected terrain or slopes that were bare ground before the recent storm.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    It may be easy to trigger soft slabs of wind-drifted snow where drifts formed over old snow layers, especially on the north half of the compass.  North to northwest winds are cross-drifting on aspects holding the weakest snow while forming fresh wind drifts on southerly aspects.   Shooting cracks and blowing snow are signs of instability: manage the problem by avoiding leeward terrain features where the new snow is stiffer and thicker.  Most wind sheltered terrain lacks a slab; stay alert for isolated exceptions.  

    (11/30/2025)

    A shallow wind slab (6") triggered by tapping the slope with my ski pole.  NE aspect ATL

    Photo: Crested Butte Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Natural avalanche activity observed on Monday paints a good picture of the hazards you could encounter today (Slate River Valley, avalanche data table).  Slopes facing the north half of the compass near and above treeline show the most activity. This is due to an increased amount of snowfall and wind drifting.  Expect to find more problematic slopes in the Northwest Mountains due to larger storm totals and fewer in the Southeast Mountains.

Observers on Sunday and Monday reported numerous collapses and cracking while traveling through northerly-facing terrain, so expect similar conditions today.  Even though near and above treeline terrain is the most likely place for you to trigger an avalanche, a few below treeline slopes could produce a small avalanche, just less commonly.  Choosing lower-angle terrain is the simplest solution to managing the hazard on suspect aspects.

Enjoy the new snowfall, but use caution on your travels.  There is no shortage of 'snow snakes' hiding just below the surface; expect to tag some rocks, sticks, and bushes.  Cold temperatures could exacerbate taking a ride in an avalanche or an injury from hitting buried objects.

 

Upcoming Events: 

  • Holiday Tree Sale: December 3rd-5th from 3 pm-7 pm at Ace Hardware
  • Avalanche Awareness Night: Saturday, December 6th at the Center for the Arts. Doors at 5, show at 6:30.
  • Beacon Brush-Up: Sunday, December 7th, 9 am - 2 pm at the Community School

Regions covered