Gunnison

Even though we have a generally shallow snowpack, you can still trigger a small but dangerous avalanche above treeline on wind-loaded slopes. Most of these avalanches will be small but they can still knock you over and take you for a dangerous ride. Identify and avoid wind-drifted snow, primarily found on northwest through north to east-facing slopes. You can identify wind-drifted slopes by the rounded, wave-like appearance on the snow surface and the hard, hollow feel often associated with cracks shooting several feet in front of you when traveling across them.