Steamboat & Flat Tops

You can trigger an avalanche where you find more than about 8 inches of new or wind-drifted snow. Avoid pillows of firm, rounded snow, most likely found near ridgelines and along gully walls. Cracking and collapsing in the snow are good indicators that you are on an unstable aspect. If you trigger an avalanche at the surface, it could step down to the ground, especially where the snowpack is shallow and rocky. You can find safer travel on slopes sheltered from the wind.