Gunnison

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist throughout the West Elks and the Raggeds Wilderness. The danger will increase throughout the day Saturday as snowfall totals reach more than a foot in some areas. Avalanches can grow large in areas where more snow has fallen like above treeline. Expect to see loose snow sluffing on steeper slopes like this. Avoid traveling on slopes steeper than around 30 degrees where you find more than about 10 inches of new snow especially near and above the treeline.

The weak layers near the ground are buried by five or more feet of snow. This makes affecting these weak layers difficult creating mostly safe avalanche conditions, but with some exceptions. In thinner areas like near trees, the edge of slopes, and buried rocks you may be able to find a weak spot. Additionally, slopes that avalanched earlier in the season will also have a shallower snowpack making buried weak layers easier to affect. Sticking to smooth planar slopes with a deep snowpack can reduce your hazard.