Sangre de Cristo

You are most likely to trigger a large and dangerous avalanche where you find shallow areas of the snowpack on steep connected terrain at upper elevations. Common trigger points include rock outcroppings, steep rollovers, and below ridges and cliff bands. Avalanches on previously drifted slopes can step down to deeper weak layers, triggering a larger and more dangerous slide. Use caution on steeper slopes where the snow surface transitions from soft to stiff or in places with a rounded or wave-like appearance.

You can find safer riding options below treeline or on low-angled, wind-sheltered slopes without steep overhead hazards.