Vail & Summit County

You can trigger an avalanche on most slopes. An unusual easterly wind drifted snow onto a weak layer buried about two to three feet deep. Several people could ride a slope before triggering a deadly avalanche. Look for and avoid slopes with wind-textured lens-shaped pillows of snow. You can find safer travel by sticking to slopes less than 30 degrees.

In areas that received more than eight inches of snow, pay attention to cliffs or exposed rocks, as you could start to see roller balls or fan-like point releases in the new snow. If you begin to see these signs, it is time to seek colder snow or call it a day.