Vail & Summit County

Many slopes are too shallow for you to trigger an avalanche. If you find drifts of firm snow at high elevations, you could trigger a small avalanche, especially on shady aspects where old snow is present. Cracking in drifted snow and audible collapses are signs to avoid steep slopes with continuous snow cover. Even a small avalanche can be nasty, as you can easily get raked through rocks early in the season.