Aspen

The most dangerous slopes are those facing the north half of the compass, generally above 10,500 feet. If you trigger an avalanche here, it is likely to grow large enough to bury you. You may not see obvious signs of instability, such as cracking or collapsing, and you could cross the slope multiple times before you trigger an avalanche. Don't assume a slope is safe just because there are tracks on a slope or because you don't see any of these signs of instability. To travel safely through avalanche terrain, careful snow and terrain assessment is essential. You can reduce your chances of being caught in an avalanche by avoiding travel on or under steep slopes facing aspects of concern and sticking to wind-sheltered slopes at lower elevations facing southeast, south, or southwest.