Vail & Summit County

You can trigger avalanches in areas of wind-drifted snow on steep slopes near and above treeline. These drifts are most common near ridges, in gullies, or behind large rocks. Give suspect slopes a wide berth, as avalanches have triggered from below or from a distance away. Avoid thin patches of snow near rocks or over convexities. If a slide starts, it could gouge down to the ground. Most recent avalanches happened on slopes facing east, southeast, and south.

Be wary of very steep slopes below treeline. You may find deep, unconsolidated snow that can run in loose avalanches.