Aspen

You might be able to trigger a dangerous avalanche on shallow, northerly-facing slopes above treeline. Avoid steep slopes with a shallow or variable snowpack depth--rocks and vegetation poking through the snow surface are useful indications that the is shallow.

Start and end your day early to avoid triggering wet avalanches. The potential for you to trigger a wet snow avalanche increases as the snow surface softens. Conditions are concerning when you sink past your ankles while standing on the snow or start to see roller balls and pinwheels. Avoid traveling on or below steep slopes once the surface is wet and rotten. Long-running slides can entrain significant snow and make a dangerous pile against trees, gullies, or creek bottoms. Some slides may sheet off of crusts buried in the upper snowpack.