Slope aspect: During winter, a south–facing slope is more stable than a north–facing one since it has sun exposure to melt and condense the snow. The tempting north–facing slopes that hold all the best powder are also more likely to have unstable layers of ’depth hoar,’ the dry, icy snow that does not stick to the adjacent layers. Since these slopes don't have the benefit of sun to warm and compact the snow over the winter, they tend to be less stable than south–facing slopes. By spring and early summer, however, a south–facing slope can mean more serious melting, resulting in dangerous wet–snow slides. The warmer weather in these seasons often allows the snow on north–facing slopes to consolidate, thus making them safer.