Steamboat & Flat Tops

The most dangerous slopes are in near and above treeline areas, where winds deposit the new snow onto leeward slopes. Look for and avoid slopes with rounded pillows, fresh cornices, or cracking in the surface snow. Stick to slopes less than about 30 degrees for safer travel options.

In near and below treeline, you can trigger avalanches in the new snow that can grow in size and gouge into the weak snow below, gaining speed and volume. Even a small avalanche in this fresh snow can be deadly if combined with a terrain trap such as a cliff, gully, or thick trees. Steer clear of these terrain traps.