Aspen

You can trigger an avalanche on slopes where new snow and strong winds combine to create thick, cohesive slabs of newly wind-drifted snow. The most dangerous slopes are near and above treeline facing easterly directions. You can identify these wind-loaded slopes by the smooth, rounded, often wave-like appearance on the snow surface mostly found on the lee side of a ridge and along the side of a gully or couloir. Wind-sheltered slopes offer safer travel options.