An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for dispersing heat within a particulate filter 110. The apparatus may include various devices for dispersing heat from a high risk portion of the particulate filter 110 by delaying heat generation, by conducting generated heat out of the high risk portion, by absorbing the heat generated into molecular energy rather than temperature, by shifting some of the heat burden away from the particulate filter 110 to other devices in an aftertreatment system 106, or out of the aftertreatment system 106. The delaying device may be a reduction of catalyst loading within portions of the particulate filter 110. The conducting device may be a plurality of thermal conduits 308 within portions of the particulate filter 110. The absorption device may be a high heat capacity washcoat 306 in portions of the particulate filter 110.