Sangre de Cristo

Strong southwest winds drifting snow at upper elevations increase your chances of triggering an avalanche. Triggering an avalanche in a wind-loaded slope below a ridge, open start zone, or cross-loaded gullies could break broader than expected. Slopes steeper than 35 degrees, with 10 inches or more of drifted snow, should be assessed cautiously. Wind-loaded areas often look smooth or pillow-like. Adjust your travels if you notice the snow surface transition from soft to stiff or observe cracking in the snow surface.

Sun in the afternoon will warm the dry snow on sunny slopes. You could trigger small avalanches in the warming snow. Avoid traveling on or under sunny slopes where you observe rollerballs, pinwheels, or fan-like point releases.

Safer travel options exist in areas protected from the wind and lower-angle slopes. Continually assesses how conditions are changing throughout the day.