Steamboat & Flat Tops

The most dangerous area is near Steamboat Lake and Hahns Peak. The snowpack is much shallower than the main Park Range, making it easier to impact the weak layers and trigger an avalanche.

You are unlikely to see signs of instability before you trigger a deadly avalanche. Observers have reported triggering avalanches from a distance, from below, and after multiple people have already traveled a slope. Weak areas of the slab close to rocks and small trees are where you are most likely to trigger a slide. You can reduce the chances of triggering an avalanche by choosing planar slopes with a consistently deep snowpack. If you are uncertain of coverage stick to slopes less than about 30 degrees.