Front Range

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist because the snowpack remains mostly weak and shallow. While unlikely, you could still trigger an avalanche on slopes where you find stiff wind-drifted snow resting on weak snow buried near the ground. The most dangerous slopes face north through northeast to east at upper elevations. Watch for and avoid drifts on steep slopes below ridgelines and the sides of gullies.

Expect to see a rise in avalanche conditions with the addition of new snow and wind on Wednesday.

A pair of recent accidents highlight the consequence of triggering a deep avalanche. On Friday, three backcountry skiers triggered and were caught in a large avalanche near Marble on an easterly-facing slope. Sadly one died. You can read the preliminary report here. Sunday afternoon, another skier died in an accident in Maroon Bowl, on a northerly-facing slope near Aspen Highlands. You can read this preliminary report here.