Front Range

The most likely place to trigger an avalanche in wet snow is where dry snow is warming on open, sunny, and steep slopes, especially around rocks. Signs of increasing wet snow hazards include rollerballs or pinwheels, gloppy snow sticking to the bottom of your gear, or loose avalanches on other slopes. Cornice fall also presents a significant hazard. Avoid being underneath cornices, and give them a wide berth when traveling along ridgelines.

To check wet snow issues, step out of your skis or board and off your machine or snowshoes to see how far your foot penetrates the wetting snow. If your foot sinks above the middle of your boot, stick to slopes less than 35 degrees. If your foot sinks in over the boot top, call it a day and leave the mountains. Get into and out of the mountains early to avoid wet snow avalanches.