Sangre de Cristo

The most dangerous areas are deep, stiff snow drifts at upper elevations that sit on top of older weak snow. Areas of wind-drifted snow are found below ridgelines, in gullies, and cross-loaded terrain. Avoid traveling on the thinner margins of a wind-drift and look for cracking or collapsing in the new snow as a sign to move to lower-angled slopes.

Days of warm temperatures followed by good overnight freezes reduce the potential for wet avalanches. However, remain alert for the potential of rapidly warming conditions at lower elevations. If the snow feels wet and glops onto your equipment, move to shaded or lower-angled slopes.