Gunnison

You can trigger an avalanche on steep slopes where wind-drifted snow developed a cohesive slab on top of weak snow. You can identify these wind-loaded slopes by the smooth, rounded, often wave-like surface appearance often found just below a ridgeline, around a rock outcrop, or along the sides of a gully or couloir. Most of these avalanches will be small but they can knock you off your feet and take you for a dangerous ride. Identify and avoid wind-loaded slopes near and above treeline to reduce your chances of being caught in one of these avalanches.