Sangre de Cristo

This weekend brings the warmest days so far this season, increasing the chances of wet snow avalanches each day. Also, with overnight temperatures expected to be above freezing, wet snow hazards will become an issue earlier each day. Get into and out of the mountains early to avoid wet snow avalanches.

The most likely place to trigger an avalanche in wet snow is on open, sunny, and steep slopes, especially around rocks. Signs of increasing wet snow hazards include rollerballs or pinwheels, gloppy snow sticking to the bottom of your gear, or loose avalanches on other slopes. Cornice fall also presents a significant hazard. Avoid being underneath cornices, and give them a wide berth when traveling along ridgelines.

To check wet snow issues, step out of your skis or board and off your machine or snowshoes to see how far your foot penetrates the wetting snow. If your foot sinks above the middle of your boot, stick to slopes less than 35 degrees. If your foot sinks in over the boot top, call it a day and leave the mountains.