Aspen

Near-treeline slopes facing northwest to north, through east, and wind-drifted slopes in the alpine are the most dangerous and likely places to trigger an avalanche. Recent avalanches have been triggered directly on slope and from a distance away, even while ascending. Mind the transition from lower-elevation slopes, where stout crusts are prevalent, to mid-elevations, where new slabs have formed on sensitive, weak snow. This seems to be the sweet spot, especially in wind-affected terrain. Lower-angle, wind-sheltered slopes are safer options to avoid this problem.