Sangre de Cristo

The avalanche danger is increasing as a potent spring storm drops around a foot of snow across most of the Sangre de Cristo Range. You can trigger a dangerous avalanche on slopes steeper than around 35 degrees where you find more than around 8 inches of new snow. Avalanches will be thicker, stiffer, and more dangerous on northeast to south through west-facing slopes that see the most wind loading from this upslope event.

Look for and avoid stiff wind drifts below ridgelines and in cross-loaded terrain features. Cracking in the new snow is a clear sign of more dangerous slab formation. Safer travel options include sticking to slopes less than about 35 degrees without steeper overhead terrain.