Steamboat & Flat Tops

You can trigger an avalanche on west to north through southeast-facing slopes where you find a cohesive slab resting on weak snow near the ground. Pay particular attention to northerly and easterly facing slopes which held the most weak snow before last week's storm. Even very soft slabs can fail with such a weak snowpack beneath. You may not see any signs of instability before you trigger an avalanche. Low-angle and wind-sheltered slopes are safer options.