Sawatch

New snow and strong winds created dangerous avalanche conditions, and more snow overnight Friday will keep conditions dangerous. The most dangerous slopes are where you find thick wind-drifts on steep slopes facing north and east directions. On large north-facing avalanche paths, any avalanche you trigger could step down and grow much larger, taking most if not all of the season's snowpack down the mountain. Safer travel options exist on wind-sheltered slopes at lower elevations and on low-angle terrain without steep slopes overhead.