Sangre de Cristo

You can easily trigger an avalanche on steep slopes above treeline. The most dangerous areas are where winds formed stiffer and deeper slabs at upper elevations. These areas of wind-drifted snow are found below ridgelines, in gullies, and in cross-loaded terrain. A wind direction change will cross-load east-facing slopes making these areas the most dangerous. Look for cracking or collapsing in the new snow as a sign to move to lower-angled slopes.

Warm temperatures will increase the likelihood of loose avalanches at lower elevations. If the snow feels sticky, glops to your equipment, or you see pinwheeled snow move to a shaded or lower-angled slope.

You can find safer travel options by sticking to slopes less than about 30 degrees in steepness or by choosing wind-sheltered lower-elevation slopes.