Sangre de Cristo

The avalanche danger is slowly decreasing, but you can still trigger a dangerous avalanche which breaks in wind-drifted surface snow or which breaks in more deeply buried weak layers. Wind-drifted near and above treeline northerly and easterly slopes are the most dangerous areas, but use caution on any steep slope where you find a more cohesive surface layer with softer snow below. Look for and avoid slopes with cornices above them or which show evidence of recent wind-drifting, such as lens-shaped pillows of snow, stiff surface conditions, or sculpted textures. Cracking and audible collapse are signs of unstable snow, but do not rely upon these warning signs to be present. Below-treeline areas and slopes under thirty degrees offer safer choices.