Finally, bent or damaged trees are good clues that show where avalanches have run in the past. You can reliably avoid avalanches by recognizing and avoiding avalanche terrain. Travel at the valley floor away from large avalanche runouts, along ridgetops above avalanche paths, in dense timber, or on slopes of 25 degrees or less that do not have steeper slopes above them. Avoid cornices on ridgetops. When the snow cover is very unstable, nature often broadcasts clear danger signals.
Fresh avalanches are the best clue.
Snow that cracks, collapses, or makes hollow sounds is also unstable. Weak layers that are found by digging snow pits are signs of unstable snow. Snow that has become wet from thaw or rain can be dangerous. Even if you find no signs of unstable snow, you should always travel using the techniques listed above for minimizing risk. You should practice frequently to be proficient in using your beacon.