Steamboat & Flat Tops

You can easily trigger an avalanche where intense westerly winds drifted snow about 3 feet deep or more on steep leeward slopes. You can also trigger slides at lower elevations on open, wind-affected slopes. Like open chutes in the trees or steep meadows. Avalanches in the recent snow will likely be large enough to bury you on their own. Don't forget they can also be the trigger for avalanches that break on deeper weak layers and grow larger.

Look for and avoid steep drifted slopes below ridges, in gullies, or behind convex rollovers. If you see cracks shooting out in front of you in the snow or hear audible collapses, avoid steep slopes. Make conservative terrain choices and avoid traveling on or below slopes less than about 30 degrees.