Steamboat & Flat Tops

Look for and avoid newly drifted snow at upper elevations. You can trigger a small avalanche where you find cohesive drifts of snow on steep, leeward slopes. Another round of snow starting around noon on Monday means that drifts will grow as the day progresses. Cracking in recently drifted snow is a sign to avoid steep slopes.

If you find the wrong spot on a slope, you might trigger a slide on weak layers buried 2 to 3 feet from the surface on northerly and east-facing slopes. These slides are less likely, but more dangerous. Avoiding slopes with variable snow cover and exposed trigger points is a good way to reduce your chances of triggering a deeper avalanche.