An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for dispersing heat within a particulate filter. The apparatus may include various devices for dispersing heat from a high risk portion of the particulate filter 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 to other devices in an aftertreatment system, or out of the aftertreatment system. The delaying device may be a reduction of catalyst loading within portions of the particulate filter. The conducting device may be a plurality of thermal conduits within portions of the particulate filter. The absorption device may be a high heat capacity washcoat in portions of the particulate filter.