Sangre de Cristo

It’s difficult to trigger an avalanche because strong winds have pressed snow into firm slabs on northerly and easterly slopes and scoured westerly and southerly slopes back to bare ground. While unlikely, you may be able to trigger an avalanche where you find a shallow spot in firm wind-drifted snow near a rocky outcrop or below a cliffband. Avoid areas of wind-drifted snow that feel stiff, sound hollow, or crack underneath you. You can find safer and more enjoyable backcountry travel on slopes protected from the wind.