Gunnison

An Avalanche Watch is in effect for the Ragged and West Elk Wilderness. Expect very dangerous avalanche conditions starting Monday evening and lasting through Wednesday morning. Avalanches will break very wide across terrain features and reach valley floors thousands of feet below. Many will run naturally. Travel in or near avalanche terrain during this period is not recommended.

Expect dangerous avalanche conditions to develop before Monday evening as a potent storm begins to impact the region. Wind-loaded slopes facing easterly directions will be the most dangerous areas. Avoid traveling on steep slopes where you find wind-drifted snow. You can identify wind-drifted snow by the wave-like appearance on the snow surface and the hard hollow feel if you are traveling on it. Avoid uneven, rocky slopes to reduce your chances of triggering a larger avalanche that breaks on a layer of weak snow two to four feet deep.