Aspen

A Special Avalanche Advisory is in effect for the Elk Mountainsand the northwestern Sawatch Range through Monday evening. New snow and strong winds built cohesive slabs over a recently buried weak layer creating unusually dangerous avalanche conditions. Avalanches might run naturally above treeline, and some can step down to deeper weak layers resulting in a more destructive avalanche. Cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making are essential to travel safely in the backcountry on Sunday and Monday.

Although it is less likely for you to trigger an avalanche below treeline, be aware of slopes above you such as this avalanche in Maroon Creek as they can impact valley floors thousands of feet below. Safer travel options exist by sticking to wind-sheltered slopes below treeline without overhead hazards.