Front Range

You can trigger an avalanche where strong winds drift recently fallen snow into slabs at upper elevations. The most dangerous slopes face northerly and easterly directions and can be found below ridgelines, steep rollovers, and in gully features. Large cornices at ridgetop or a wave-like appearance on the snow surface indicate that a slope holds drifted snow. Look for and avoid bulging pillows of snow and surfaces that feel hollow. You can trigger an avalanche that breaks near the surface or in the upper snowpack, and some avalanches might break near the ground. Lower elevation slopes less than about 30 degrees offer safer recreational options.