Front Range

You can trigger an avalanche where strong winds drift snow into dense slabs at upper elevations. Drifted areas can be identified by their pillow-like shape and textured appearance. You are most likely to find drifted snow below ridgelines, in gullies, and on steep rollovers. Easterly-facing slopes are the most dangerous. Remember, small avalanches can easily knock you off your feet and carry you into high-consequence terrain. Cracking within drifted snow is a sign to seek out areas sheltered from the wind, slopes less than about 35 degrees, and lower elevation slopes.