Denver, Colorado – Backcountry travel in the West Elk Mountains could turn deadly beginning Tuesday morning as heavy snow and strong winds push avalanche danger to HIGH, level 4 out of 5, through Friday.
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, an Avalanche Warning is in effect from Tuesday morning through Friday for the West Elk Mountains, including the Ruby and Ragged Ranges. Forecasters warn that large and dangerous avalanches will be easy to trigger, and some slides will release naturally without human involvement.
The combination of new snowfall and wind loading will rapidly build unstable slabs on slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Areas near Crested Butte, Kebler Pass, and surrounding backcountry zones in Gunnison County are particularly vulnerable.
Experts strongly advise against travel in avalanche terrain during this period. Anyone recreating near the warning area should avoid traveling on or beneath steep slopes and stay clear of runout zones where avalanches can travel far beyond starting areas.
Conditions are expected to remain dangerous through Friday, and additional updates will be issued as snowfall and wind continue to impact the region.
