Judge the angle. Most avalanches occur on slopes of 30 to 45 degrees. These angles represent steep pitches, comparable to the slant of an expert slope at a ski area. Danger is highest during or right after a storm when a new layer of snow has yet to bond to the surface of the existing layer. Look, listen for the signs.
Most slopes give some evidence of danger.
Look at the trees next to the slope. If they are broken or bent in unnatural positions pointing downslope, that's proof that the area is avalanche prone. Look for depositions of snow at the bottom of slopes that appear likely to slide. A deposition indicates that a slide has occurred recently. Listen as you go.