Front Range

You can trigger an avalanche where you find cohesive drifts of snow on steep, leeward slopes. Look for and avoid lens-shaped pillows of snow in gullies and below ridges. With intense northwest winds in the forecast, you might find drifts lower in the terrain than normal. If you see shooting cracks or if surface slabs sound hollow and drum-like, steer clear of steep slopes. Look for safer riding on sheltered slopes and at lower elevations.