Aspen

An Avalanche Watch is in effect for the Elk Mountains. Expect very dangerous avalanche conditions starting Monday evening and lasting through Wednesday morning. Avalanches will break 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.

For Monday, new snow and strong wind will create dangerous avalanche conditions before the end of the day. The most dangerous slopes face north through east to southeast near and above the treeline. Avoid traveling on or near uneven, rocky slopes facing west through north to southeast to reduce your chances of triggering a large and deadly avalanche on a layer of weak snow one to two feet deep. Safer travel options can always be found by sticking to slopes less than around 30 degrees steep with no steep slopes overhead when traveling on aspects of concern.