Sangre de Cristo

You can trigger an avalanche on slopes where recent snow was drifted into a thicker, more cohesive layer near the surface. Near and above-treeline slopes facing north through northeast to east harbor the most dangerous combination of stiff surface layers and weaker, less cohesive snow below. Avoid areas where you see evidence of drifting like lens-shaped snow pillows or a firm, sculpted snow surface beneath ridgelines, cornices, and on steep sidewalls of gullies. If you experience cracking in the snow or hear audible collapses, stick to slopes less than about 30 degrees without steeper terrain overhead.

A pair of recent accidents highlight the consequence of triggering a large avalanche. On Friday, three backcountry skiers triggered and were caught in a large avalanche near Marble. Sadly one died. You can read the preliminary report here. Search and rescue operations remain underway for another accident Sunday afternoon in Maroon Bowl, near Aspen Highlands.