Sangre de Cristo

You might trigger an avalanche in wind-drifted snow at upper elevations. An avalanche triggered near the surface could break deeper into weaker snow near the ground on slopes that face north, northeast, and east. Avoid common trigger spots such as exposed rocks, steep rollovers, and areas below cliffs where you are more likely to impact buried weak snow. Steer clear of wind-loaded areas with a smooth, rounded snow surface or where the snow feels hard underfoot. If you see cracking in the snow or hear audible collapses, stick to wind-sheltered areas around 30 degrees in steepness or lower-elevations slopes for safer options.