Aspen

You might trigger an avalanche from a steep slope covered with a relatively thin snowpack, less than about three or four feet deep. You are more likely to encounter these shallow snowpacks on slopes near and below treeline, on the windward sides of ridgelines, and on wind-sheltered slopes generally facing southerly and westerly directions. You might be able to trigger an avalanche in areas with a deeper snowpack if you find a shallow spot in the snow. Those are often near a rock outcrop, a band of trees, or near the bottom of a slope. Do your best to avoid these shallow areas or stick to low-angled slopes.