Gunnison County, Colorado – Backcountry travel in the West Elk Mountains turns life-threatening by Tuesday morning as heavy snow and powerful winds combine to create a HIGH (Level 4 of 5) avalanche danger that will last through Friday.
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, the Avalanche Warning covers the West Elk Mountains, including the Ruby and Ragged Ranges. Forecasters expect very dangerous conditions to develop Tuesday and persist through Friday, with large avalanches easy to trigger and additional slides likely to release naturally.
Fresh snowfall and strong winds will rapidly load slopes steeper than 30 degrees, building unstable slabs across upper elevations and wind-drifted terrain. Natural avalanches could run long distances, threatening areas below steep bowls and chutes. Anyone recreating near Crested Butte, Kebler Pass or surrounding backcountry terrain faces a heightened risk of burial.
Officials strongly discourage travel in avalanche terrain during the warning period. Those heading into the mountains should avoid traveling on or beneath steep slopes and check the latest updates at colorado.gov/avalanche before making plans.
The warning remains in effect through Friday, and additional updates are expected as new snow and wind continue to impact western Colorado’s high country.
