Front Range

You can trigger an avalanche on northerly and easterly-facing slopes at upper elevations where you find recently drifted snow. Strong west-southwest winds will drift snow further downslope than anticipated and into lower elevations. Look for and avoid slopes with lens-shaped pillows of snow that appear textured or feel drum-like directly below ridgelines, convex rollovers, or on the sides of gullies. While unlikely, a smaller slide in drifted snow might trigger an avalanche that breaks deeper into the snowpack. Seek wind-sheltered slopes for safer travel options if you notice recent avalanches or shooting cracks within the new snow.