Gunnison

A Special Avalanche Advisory is in effect for the Elk and West Elk Mountains. Feet of recent snow and strong winds have formed thick cohesive slabs above an unusually shallow and weak snowpack. Avalanche conditions will remain dangerous through the weekend. Careful planning and conservative terrain selection is essential for safe travel in backcountry avalanche terrain.

You can easily trigger large and dangerous avalanches on some steep slopes. On west through north to southeast-facing slopes, an avalanche will break two to four (or more) feet deep, growing large and destructive in long-running avalanche paths. Also, keep an eye on steep sunny slopes. These could become wet and unstable as they warm throughout the day. Sticking to lower-angle terrain is the best way to stay safe.