Sangre de Cristo

You can trigger an avalanche where you find recently wind-drifted snow at upper elevations. Slopes that face northwest to north through east are the most dangerous. Look for and avoid slopes that have a lens-shaped or pillowy appearance. These conditions can be found just below ridgelines and in cross-loaded gullies. Near treeline, you can trigger an avalanche if you find 10 inches or more of recent snow forming a cohesive slab over weak snow below. If you experience cracking or collapsing in the snow surface, retreat to lower-angled and wind-sheltered slopes.