Sawatch

You can trigger an avalanche on many steep slopes facing west through north to southeast. Conditions are tricky, as some avalanches can be triggered from hundreds of feet away or without warning. The transition from lower elevation slopes without a slab to higher slopes that do might not be obvious, so use extra caution where you find more than a foot of new or drifted snow. Wind-sheltered terrain facing south or southwest and slopes less than 30 degrees without steep terrain above you are much safer options. You can find small drifts on southerly slopes, so use caution above terrain traps.

On Tuesday, January 7, a backcountry skier was caught and killed in an avalanche on Red Mountain Number 3, near Red Mountain Pass. The avalanche was triggered on a wind-drifted northwest-facing slope near treeline. Our deepest condolences to the deceased skier's family, friends, and community. You can read the preliminary accident report here.