Steamboat & Flat Tops

You can trigger an avalanche that breaks on buried weak layers 2 to 3 feet deep or even near the ground. Steep slopes lee to westerly winds with drifted pillows of snow are the most dangerous. Multiple people could ride a slope before you trigger a slide and you might trigger one from a distance. Avoid slopes steeper than about 30 degrees.

Above-freezing temperatures and some sunshine could be enough to make the new snow shed off steep slopes. Water running off of rocks and snow that makes your gloves wet when you squeeze it are signs the snow is getting wet. Avoid traveling on or below steep, sunny slopes if the snow is getting wet.