Vail & Summit County

A few inches of snow over the past two days might make it harder to identify and avoid steep previously wind-loaded slopes. There might be some drifting snow, but triggering slides that break on buried weak layers 1 to 2 feet deep is the real concern. Most recent slides were on east, southeast, or south-facing slopes. A recent close call on a northeast-facing slope shows you can find problematic drifts there, too. If you can avoid these previously drifted slopes, you can avoid most avalanches.

Look for and avoid hard drifts where your skis, board, or sled don't sink more than a few inches. The recent snow will make it harder to spot these suspect drifts. Use your probe or pole to see if you're traveling on an old, hard slab below the most recent snow. Look for sheltered, lower-elevation slopes as safer options.