Vail & Summit County

Above-freezing temperatures, relatively light winds, and ample sunshine mean the most recent snow will shed off steep, sunny slopes. Rollerballs, pinwheels, and snow that wets your gloves when you squeeze it are signs the snow is wet. Rocky, open slopes in the afternoon are the most likely place to find wet snow. Avoid traveling on or below steep slopes with wet snow. Start and end your day early to reduce your risk.

Although it is unlikely, steep, shallow, shady slopes are spots where you could trigger an avalanche on buried weak layers. Avoid these areas, especially if you know they already slid this winter. You can check that the snow depth is over about 2 meters to reduce this hazard.