Front Range

You can trigger large and dangerous avalanches, especially on wind-drifted easterly slopes near ridgetop. Avoid traveling on or under steep drifted slopes. Signs of a slope with wind-drifted snow can be large cornices overhanging the slope or a smooth, rounded appearance to the surface snow.

Although avalanches will be smaller in areas sheltered from the wind, don't let your guard down. You can trigger avalanches beneath recent storm snow. Consider avoiding steep slopes with more than about 12 inches of recent snow. Northerly-facing slopes are the most likely aspect to trigger an avalanche in places sheltered from the wind.