Front Range

Recent snow has drifted into a slab layered over a thin, weak snowpack. Look for and avoid areas of drifted snow on steep slopes. Spots below ridgelines and along gully walls are likely places to find drifted snow. If you see cracking or feel a collapse, those are obvious signs to avoid these slopes. Those obvious clues are decreasing, and you could trigger an avalanche without any warning.

You can find safer travel choices in wind-sheltered or lower-elevation terrain, where the new snow remains unconsolidated.