Sawatch

The most dangerous slopes are where wind-drifted snow develops into a cohesive slab and rests on weak snow near the ground on north, northeast, and east-facing slopes near treeline. Wind-sheltered slopes offer safer travel options.

You might be able to trigger an avalanche above treeline, but recent winds generally scoured or hardened the snowpack so you'll find fewer dangerous spots. Avoid spots with a hollow-feeling slab and weak layer combination. You are most likely to encounter these dangerous above-treeline slopes in gullies or couloirs. Below treeline, you can expect a thin and very weak snow cover.