Sangre de Cristo

Most slopes are generally safe from avalanches. The few places you could trigger an avalanche would be where strong winds drifted snow into cohesive slabs at upper elevations that sit over older, weak snow. Drifted snow may look smooth or wave-like, and feel firm and hollow. Cracking in this type of firm snow indicates it is unstable and means you should move to lower-angled and wind-sheltered terrain.

Blue skies and warm temperatures increase the chances of wet snow avalanches on sunny slopes. Loose wet avalanches often release below rocks or cliffs and gain mass as they move downhill. Avoid steep, sunny, snow-covered slopes during the heat of the day.