Front Range

You can trigger an avalanche in the recent snow as it becomes wet and heavy from warming temperatures and direct sun. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche in wet snow on steep, sunny slopes that face east through south to west. Roller balls and pinwheels are signs the surface snow is becoming unstable and that it is time to move to colder slopes.

Pay close attention to steep, sun-sheltered slopes harboring over eight inches of recent, cold snow. Warming temperatures will consolidate the cold snow and it may be possible to trigger small lingering Storm Slab avalanches. While the size of these avalanches will be small, be careful if you plan on traveling in complex or extreme terrain. A small avalanche can have huge consequences if you get pushed off a cliff or into a terrain trap. Plan your day accordingly and avoid traveling on or underneath any steep slopes with wet snow, especially in the afternoon. The easiest way to avoid this problem is to start and end your day early.