Vail & Summit County

East-, southeast-, and south-facing slopes are the most dangerous. Strong winds last weekend drifted thick slabs over weak snow. Multiple large avalanches released on these aspects. You might not see any signs of instability before you trigger a large avalanche. Avoiding wind-drifted areas reduces your danger, but you can trigger an avalanche from a distance or below. Look for safer travel on slopes less than about 30 degrees, not connected to steeper slopes above. Or, on lower elevation slopes sheltered from the wind.