Sawatch

You can trigger a large and dangerous avalanche on many northwest through north to east-facing slopes, especially at upper elevations near and above treeline. The most dangerous slopes are steep wind-drifted paths where any avalanche you trigger in the recent snow could step down to deeper weak layers and bring the entire season's snowpack. Safer travel options exist in lower-angle wind-sheltered terrain below treeline and on south-facing slopes in the morning before they get warm and wet.