Aspen

The most dangerous slopes are the lee sides of a ridgeline or other wind-loaded terrain features near and above the treeline that face northwest through north to southeast. Here, you can trigger an avalanche that can grow large enough to bury you and you might trigger it from below a slope or from a distance. Below the treeline and wind-sheltered slopes offer safer travel options but you may still be able to trigger an avalanche on smooth, planar slopes facing northwest through north to east. For safer travel options stick to south, southwest, and west-facing slopes or low-angle terrain without steep slopes overhead when traveling on northerly or easterly slopes, especially at higher elevations.