Front Range

You can trigger an avalanche on drifted slopes that face north through east to southeast. Steep, drifted slopes below ridgelines are the most dangerous areas. You can recognize drifted slopes by their smooth, pillow-like appearance. Avoid these areas and seek out wind-sheltered slopes as a safer option.

You probably won't notice obvious signs of instability like shooting cracks and audible collapses until the storm intensifies. These signs are an indication that conditions are becoming more dangerous. Areas with more than about eight inches of new snow are more dangerous.