Sawatch

Steep, wind-drifted slopes are the most likely places to trigger an avalanche. Use surface clues to identify and avoid drifted spots. Look for cornices and smooth, pillowy surfaces. Drifted snow will feel stiff or chalky, and you may see shooting cracks as you approach the edges of drifts. In the non-drifted areas, slopes either lack a slab or have insufficient snow to produce a dangerous avalanche.