Sawatch

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist above treeline where winds and new snow created cohesive slabs on north, northeast, and east-facing slopes. Identify and avoid steep wind-loaded slopes with a wave-like snow surface appearance and hard, hollow feel when traveling on them.

You can trigger a larger and more destructive avalanche on deeper buried weak layers on most slopes facing northerly and easterly directions near and above treeline. Reduce your chances of triggering one of these very dangerous avalanches by avoiding steep slopes with a thinner-than-average snowpack such as a rocky, unsupported slope or a previously wind-scoured northwest-facing slope.