Front Range

Regardless of aspect or elevation, you can trigger a dangerous avalanche on most steep slopes. The recent snow was distributed onto westerly-facing slopes by usual easterly winds. These cohesive slabs rest on a buried weak layer two to three feet deep. If you trigger an avalanche, it could result in an un-survivable avalanche like this one around Jones Pass. Multiple people could ride a slope before triggering one of these avalanches. Avoid slopes with lens-shaped pillows of snow and stick to slopes less than 30 degrees for safer travel options.

Increasing temperatures and sunshine will warm the snow surface. If you see roller balls, fan-like point releases, or punch through to your boot top, it is time to move to low-angled slopes with cold snow or call it a day. Even a small avalanche in consequential terrain could take you for a nasty ride.