Front Range

On slopes with more than six inches of wind-drifted snow, you can trigger an avalanche. These drifts could be firm and can break well above you. Avoid steep slopes with pillow-like drifts, especially below ridgelines and in cross-loaded gullies. Expect drifts in unusual places. You can find safer riding on slopes sheltered from the wind.

Look for roller balls and point-release avalanches as the day warms. These could get deeper and sheet off above crusts. Look for the sun hitting slopes above you before it gets to the valleys. If you see this problem, move to cooler aspects and consider your egress slopes back to the trailhead.