Sangre de Cristo

You can easily trigger an avalanche on steep slopes above treeline. The most dangerous areas are terrain features such as cross-loaded slopes and just below ridgelines, where winds formed stiffer and deeper slabs at upper elevations. Look for cracking or collapsing in the new snow as a sign to move to lower-angled slopes.

You can find safer travel options by sticking to slopes less than about 30 degrees in steepness or by choosing wind-sheltered lower-elevation slopes. As Friday's temperatures warm, watch for small, Loose Wet avalanches on steep, sunny slopes.