Vail & Summit County

You can trigger an avalanche on buried weak layers. Slopes with recent drifts of new snow will be the most dangerous. You are unlikely to get warning signs before you trigger an avalanche. Multiple people could travel on a slope before you find a weaker area, possibly at the bottom of a slope, and trigger an avalanche.

Concerns about wet snow avalanches will increase as the day warms. If you are sinking into wet snow or see roller balls or small point release avalanches, head to slopes with cooler snow.

You can find safer travel on lower-angle slopes without overhead hazards.