Sangre de Cristo

If you find a shallow spot on a steep slope, you can trigger an avalanche that will break on weak layers in the top meter of the snowpack. Steep northerly and easterly slopes have produced the largest avalanches, but recent easterly winds loaded westerly slopes, creating a more continuous snowpack. Assess the slopes you plan to travel and identify and avoid shallow trigger points.

Loose wet avalanches are not out of the question in the afternoon. Avoid traveling on or under slopes where you observe rollerballs, pinwheels, or fan-like point releases.