Aspen

Avalanche conditions are most dangerous on wind-drifted north and northeast-facing slopes at higher elevations. These areas have a weak, collapsible layer of snow near the ground underneath thicker, more cohesive slabs. Visible cracking and/or audible collapsing indicate areas where you can trigger an avalanche. Slopes less than around 30 degrees in steepness, wind-sheltered slopes, or sunnier aspects that did not hold early-October snow all offer safer riding options. Watch for shallowly-buried obstacles with thin early-season coverage.