Gunnison

Early-season avalanche hazards are typically limited to high-elevation, wind-loaded slopes—often the same slopes that attract skiers and riders when snow coverage is thin. Even small avalanches can have serious consequences if they carry you over rocks. Be cautious on steep terrain features where the snow looks deeper or more drifted, as these may hold unstable slabs. If you consistently see rocks and vegetation poking through the snow, the snowpack is usually too shallow to slide.

CBAC is monitoring early-season conditions and will issue updated fall advisories as conditions change significantly or develop into more favorable on-snow travel.

Wind Slabs: The first avalanche problems of the season develop on high-elevation, wind-loaded slopes. Watch for wind slabs forming below ridgelines, in gullies, and other leeward alpine terrain features. Look for signs like denser, pillowy drifts of snow—these indicate recent wind loading. Blowing or drifting snow is a red flag that wind slabs may be forming or growing. Avoid fresh wind drifts in steep terrain, or give them time to settle before crossing drifts in higher-consequence areas.

Useful Resources:

• NOAA point weather forecasts for 11,000'  for the Northwest Mountains and Southeast Mountains of Crested Butte.
• Weather station data for the Crested Butte area.
• Follow along with our Facebook and Instagram accounts to stay tuned for updates and upcoming events.