Vail & Summit County

Two recent avalanches breaking on dry, weak layers buried near the ground show that dangerous mid-winter-like avalanches can still be triggered. Intense heat increases the likelihood of these avalanches. On sunnier slopes, wet avalanches are a threat. They can start as loose cohesionless snow and gouge deep into the snowpack or break as more dangerous slabs.

If you are traveling on sunny slopes with warm snow, you will need a thick supportable crust to stay safe from avalanches. Get out of your skis or off your snowmobile, and make sure the crust supports your weight and isn't thin and fragile.