Gunnison

You can trigger an avalanche on steep slopes with wind-drifted snow. There are plenty of visual and surface clues to help identify and avoid this problem. Look for terrain below cornices and ridges that appear smooth or rounded. You can feel the change to stiffer, brittle snow, and it may even crack as you move into drifted areas. Avalanches in the recent snow could break down to deeper weak layers and run farther than you initially expect.

Your safer travel options are low-angled or wind-sheltered terrain.