Front Range

You can trigger an avalanche on steep, recently drifted slopes at upper elevations. Look for and avoid bulbous pillows of snow below ridges, in gullies, and behind convex rollovers. Cracking in the surface snow or snow that sounds drum-like as you travel over it are warning signs.

Avalanches that break near the surface can step down to weak layers 2 to 3 feet deep. In areas with a shallower snowpack or on slopes already avalanched this year, avalanches could even step down to the ground. The recent snow makes these areas harder to identify, but avoid the edges of terrain features or areas with variable snow cover and exposed obstacles.

You can find safer travel on low-angled and wind-sheltered slopes. Clouds and wind will help cool the snow tomorrow, but you can expect some of the recent storm snow to shed as temperatures break freezing. Rollerballs and point-releases are signs the snow is getting wet. Avoid traveling on or below steep, rocky slopes tomorrow afternoon if the snow is wet.