Sangre de Cristo

You can trigger an avalanche on any steep slope where you find a cohesive slab resting on weak snow near the ground. Identify and avoid wind-loaded terrain features, especially towards the New Mexico border, where snowfall amounts will be higher. Beneath ridges or inside a gully or couloir are areas you are most likely to find wind-drifted snow. Look for and avoid smooth rounded pillows of snow. If you experience shooting cracks or collapsing in the snow, consider moving to a different slope or staying on low-angle terrain with no steep slopes above you.