Front Range

It is hard to trigger slides on deeper, weak layers in areas where the wind has drifted snow deeply throughout the winter. Steep rocky areas with a shallower snowpack are the areas of the slope you are most likely to trigger a deeper avalanche. You will not get any warning signs before you trigger a large avalanche, and multiple people could travel a slope before someone finds a trigger point. Slopes that you know have consistently over 2 meters of snow will be safer.

You are more likely to trigger an avalanche in newly drifted snow. Watch for and avoid rounded pillows of firm snow that may crack when weighted. Small avalanches in steep terrain or above a gully can have high consequences. Areas sheltered from the wind will offer safer travel from this problem.