Sangre de Cristo

The most dangerous terrain where you could trigger an avalanche are wind-drifted slopes at upper elevations. Here, recent snow has stiffened into a cohesive slab over weak layers. Areas of drifted snow often look smooth, rounded and firm. Cracking in the snow surface or avalanches on similar slopes are obvious signs of instability and a good indication of areas to avoid. You can find safer travel on slopes less than 35 degrees, and areas protected from the wind.