Front Range

You can trigger an avalanche in recently drifted snow that breaks about a foot deep. Look for avoid drifted pillows of recent snow directly below steep ridgelines, convex rollovers, and in gullies. Cracking in the new snow is a sign it is unstable and a signal to avoid steep slopes.

The bigger hazard is slides that break deeply into the snowpack. The most likely place you'll trigger a deeper slide is near treeline where you can still easily affect weak layers near the ground. Above treeline slopes hold dense slabs. You might trigger a deep slide there if you find a weak area of the slope, like close to rocks and rollovers. Unfortunately, these areas will be difficult to recognize covered with new snow. Finally, don't forget that small slides close to the surface can trigger larger, deeper avalanches too.

Look for safer travel on lower-angle slopes and slopes sheltered from the wind without a slab.