Sawatch

Snow from the recent storm is testing the snowpack. Strong winds transported snow onto northerly and easterly aspects, further burying weak layers of varying sensitivity. The most dangerous slopes are at upper elevations that have cohesive drifts of snow on them. You can trigger a slide isolated in the recent snow that can break down into deeper weak layers. Avalanches of this nature would become very large and have dire consequences. Avoiding steep wind-drifted slopes at upper elevations can keep you safer. Better terrain choices include low-angle slopes and wind-sheltered terrain at lower elevations.