Sangre de Cristo

The most dangerous areas are deep, stiff snow drifts at upper elevations that sit on old snow below. Areas of wind-drifted snow are found below ridgelines, in gullies, and cross-loaded terrain. Look for cracking or collapsing in the new snow, 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.