Front Range

Watch for wind-drifted snow on north through east to south-facing slopes in the alpine. You'll most likely find problematic drifts on steep slopes below corniced ridges or inside chutes or couloirs. You're more likely to trigger an avalanche in areas with more than 6 inches of snow by midday Thursday. Cracking in the new snow is an indication that you can trigger an avalanche.

Secondly, with the high April sun angle, you can expect fresh, dry snow to shed off steep slopes. There might be enough sun on Thursday evening to start the shed process. Clearer skies are expected on Friday. Start and end your day early and be aware of your surroundings to avoid wet snow problems.

Remember that small avalanches can be problematic in extreme terrain. It doesn't take a large avalanche to take you off your feet. Riding slopes above cliffs, or steep and rocky chutes and couloirs, can amplify the consequences of a small slide.