Aspen

An Avalanche Watch is in effect for Huntsman Ridge through the Ragged and Ruby Mountains. A significant storm will impact the area starting Tuesday evening. Very dangerous avalanche conditions are expected by Thursday morning. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended from Wednesday evening through Thursday.

For Wednesday, you can trigger a large and deadly avalanche on most steep slopes. The most dangerous slopes are wind-loaded slopes on the lee-sides of ridgeline facing northerly and easterly directions. Here, the slab is thicker and more continuous, you can trigger an avalanche from a distance, and it will likely break wider and run farther than you expect. If you choose to travel in avalanche terrain expose one person to steep slopes at time, choose slopes with smooth runouts and no terrain traps below, and carefully discuss exit strategies and safe zones before exposing yourself to the slope. Safer travel options exist by avoiding traveling on or directly underneath slopes steeper than about 30 degrees on aspects of concern.