With the series of snowstorms pretty common this winter, being a bit more careful around snow is quite crucial especially if you’re the type of person who like to go out in the snow. While avalanches may not be a real concern for city dwellers, people living closer to nature might have to be cautious with these things.

Being caught in one isn’t too remote and there’s nothing wrong in being prepared. Here’s how to spot probable avalanche locations so that you can avoid them. As with most dangers, avoiding them is best than dealing with them head-on.

Watch out for heavy amounts of snow. If there’s much snow fall, you might just opt to stay indoors. Check the weather updates to get the expected snowfall for the day. The more snow there is accumulated on the ground, the more prone snow gathered on slopes to fall.

Be wary of sudden rising and dropping of temperature. These changes can also affect snow consistency. A rise in temperature can turn stiff snow into slush making it more prone to the effects of gravity.

Take more care to avoid slopes. Gravity has constant effect to things that even firm looking snow on a slope can be dangerous.

Be doubly alert for fractures in the snow and watch out for avalanche debris and ice boulders. These are signs that an avalanche has already occurred in the area and chances for it to happen again is very likely.