Vail & Summit County

Easterly-facing slopes at upper elevations are the most dangerous areas, but you can trigger an avalanche on many slopes. Avalanches might break within the most recent snow from March, but any slide is likely to step down into more deeply buried weak layers from February. Don’t let tracks on a slope lull you into a false sense of security; you could find the thinner portions of the slab and trigger a large and destructive avalanche. You might not notice any signs of instability like cracking or collapsing before you do. Seek wind-sheltered slopes and slopes less than about 30 degrees for safer travel options.

Accumulating snow won't raise the danger on Thursday, but look for snow to begin around midday along the Continental Divide. The danger will likely increase on Friday for favored areas.