Sangre de Cristo

Wind-loaded slopes with dense slabs over weak, collapsible snow layers are the most worrisome, and could produce a larger avalanche. Avalanches will be easier to trigger on slopes with freshly drifted slabs around 8 inches thick. Shallow avalanches may break deeper where weak layers are closer to the surface – slab margins, near exposed rocks and trees, and on steep rollovers. Easterly winds during periods of heavy snowfall may build thick, dangerous slabs on atypical slopes and terrain features. Move to a different slope or lower angled terrain if you see cracking in the snow or notice the snow surface transitions from soft to stiff.