Aspen

Avalanche conditions are most dangerous on northerly slopes at higher elevations. These areas held weak snow from early October snowfall, which was subsequently buried by new and drifting snow from this past weekend. Visible cracking and/or audible collapsing indicate areas where you can trigger an avalanche. Slopes less than around 30 degrees in steepness, wind-sheltered slopes, or sunnier aspects that did not hold early-October snow all offer safer riding options. Watch for shallowly-buried obstacles with thin early-season coverage.