Sangre de Cristo

Strong westerly wind drift snow loading and cross-loading lee terrain. Avoid steep easterly slopes at upper elevations that look filled-in or have a smooth, pillowy appearance. Cracking in the snow surface is an indicator of unstable snow below you. If you do trigger a slab avalanche, it may break close to the ground, and push you into thin, rocky areas below. Your ability to trigger avalanches will rise through the weekend with the addition of more snow and strong wind. Choose wind-sheltered terrain or low-angled slopes to find safer travel options.