Sangre de Cristo

You could trigger an avalanche in recent storm snow that breaks on weak old snow. The most dangerous slopes are where you find 8 inches or more of new snow forming a cohesive slab over weak snow below. Steep slopes below and near treeline with continuous snow cover are the most dangerous. Cracking and collapsing in the recent snow are signs of an unstable slope and a good indicator to move to slopes less than about 35 degrees steep.

Above treeline, strong winds strip snow from upper elevation slopes, confining the avalanche hazard to cross-loaded terrain, like gullies and couloirs, and concave slopes with more continuous snow coverage. You can find safer and more enjoyable travel on wind-sheltered slopes.

On Tuesday, January 7, a backcountry skier was caught and killed in an avalanche on Red Mountain Number 3, near Red Mountain Pass. The avalanche was triggered on a wind-drifted northwest-facing slope near treeline. Our deepest condolences to the deceased skier's family, friends, and community. You can read the preliminary accident report here.