Sangre de Cristo

You can trigger an avalanche that fails on weak snow near the ground. Though the most dangerous slopes are north, northeast, and east-facing, the snowpack is thin and you might be able to trigger an avalanche on any steep slope where you find a cohesive slab of snow on top of weak snow. Look for and avoid wind-loaded terrain features such as steep slopes below the ridge top and the sides of gullies. If you experience shooting cracks or collapsing in the snowpack consider moving to a different slope or staying on low-angle terrain. Safer travel options exist in wind-sheltered, low-elevation terrain.