Front Range

You can trigger an avalanche where winds have drifted snow into firm slabs. Look for and avoid rounded pillows of hollow-feeling snow. Most avalanches have been reported on slopes that face east in the alpine. Below ridgelines and in cross-loaded gullies are the places you will find this problem. Cracking or collapsing in the snowpack is unlikely before you trigger an avalanche. The avalanche you trigger will break on weak snow and may be more significant than the terrain feature you are on. You can find safer riding on slopes sheltered from the wind with soft snow at the surface.