Gunnison

You can trigger an avalanche in newly wind-drifted snow near and above treeline. Identify and avoid wind-drifted slopes to reduce your chances of triggering a small but dangerous avalanche. You can identify wind-loaded slopes by the wave-like, rounded appearance on the snow surface and the hard, hollow feeling if you are traveling on it.

You might be able to trigger a much larger, deadly avalanche on deeply buried weak layers. To reduce your chances of triggering one of these avalanches avoid shallow, rocky slopes at high elevations, slopes that previously slid earlier this winter, and wind-scoured slopes where the snowpack is thinner.