Aspen

Weak cohesionless snow increases your chances of triggering a small avalanche on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Wind-sheltered areas facing northwest to north to east-facing slopes near and below treeline are the most worrisome. This type of avalanche is easy to initiate, entraining more snow as it barrels downhill. As moving snow builds, you can get knocked off your feet or pushed into nasty terrain features like rocks and trees or off a cliff.

Though less likely, wind-drifted features at higher elevations are also concerning. Lingering pockets of firmer snow can break on steeper slopes and take you for a dangerous ride.