Front Range

Wind-drifted slopes sitting directly below ridgetops are where you are most likely to trigger a dangerous avalanche. These avalanches can break deeply on weak, collapsible layers near the ground. You may not see any signs of instability before you trigger an avalanche. Low-angle or wind-sheltered slopes are safer options.

A skier was caught, partially buried, and injured in an avalanche on a north-facing slope near Berthoud Pass on Tuesday. The northerly-facing slope was recently wind-loaded. The avalanche broke on weak snow near the ground.