Gunnison

More than expected snowfall and continued strong winds will make for very dangerous avalanche conditions at higher elevations Monday. You can trigger a large and dangerous avalanche on steep wind-loaded slopes that got close to two feet of new snow.

The most dangerous slopes are the lee sides of ridgelines, generally facing easterly directions, where strong winds transported additional snow and any avalanche you trigger will be larger. Avoid wind-loaded slopes below ridgelines and choose slopes with no terrain traps such as a cliff or dense trees below you. Watch for steep slopes overhead and avalanches releasing naturally from the alpine running into lower elevations. Safer travel options exist by sticking to slopes less than about 30 degrees steep for a day or two while the snowpack adjusts to this new load.