Front Range

You could trigger an avalanche on north through east-facing slopes at upper elevations. Look for and avoid slopes with rounded lens-like pillows of snow or a textured snow surface that feels hollow underneath you. You will find these areas directly below ridgelines, on the sides of gullies, or on convex rollovers. You may not see any warning signs of unstable snow, like cracking or collapsing, before the slopes shatters around you. Wind-sheltered slopes offer safer recreation options.

A pair of recent accidents highlight the consequence of triggering a deep avalanche. On Friday, three backcountry skiers triggered and were caught in a large avalanche near Marble on an easterly-facing slope. Sadly one died. You can read the preliminary report here. Sunday afternoon, another skier died in an accident in Maroon Bowl, on a northerly-facing slope near Aspen Highlands. You can read this preliminary report here.