Aspen

You can trigger a small avalanche on steep slopes where new snow and wind combine to create cohesive slabs over slopes that held continuous snow coverage prior to this storm. These will mostly be on north, northeast, and east-facing slopes above treeline. Use caution on any steep slope where you see the new snow being blown onto the leeward side of a ridge. Cracking in the snow around your feet or a hard, hollow feel to the snow are clear signs you are on a dangerous, wind-loaded slope and should stick to slopes less than about 35 degrees or move to another area.

You should expect a rapid increase in the avalanche danger this holiday week as a potent storm begins to impact the area starting Monday night.