Sangre de Cristo

You can trigger an avalanche that fails on weak snow near the ground. The most dangerous slopes face north, northeast, and east near and above the treeline. The snowpack is thin and you might be able to trigger an avalanche on any steep slope where you find a cohesive slab of snow on top of weak snow. Look for and avoid wind-loaded terrain features such as steep slopes below ridgelines and gullies or couloirs. If you experience shooting cracks or collapsing in the snowpack consider moving to a different slope or staying on low-angle terrain. Safer travel options exist in wind-sheltered, low-elevation terrain.