Sawatch

Shifting westerly winds will form new slabs on higher elevation wind-drifted slopes. The most dangerous aspects face north, northeast, and east, where new slabs overlap with weaker layers buried in the snowpack. You can trigger a small avalanche in the newly drifted snow that could step down to one of these layers, creating a much larger slide. Smooth rounded surfaces or stiff, hollow slabs below ridges or the sides of steep gullies are likely places to encounter these problems. Lower-angle, wind-sheltered slopes will provide safe riding options.