Vail & Summit County

You can trigger an avalanche where intense winds built thick slabs of cohesive snow on top of a layer of weak snow one to two feet below the surface. Upper-elevation east and southeast-facing slopes are the most dangerous but cross-loaded slopes that face north and northeast are also suspect. As slabs thicken and connect, you may be able to trigger an avalanche from a distance and below. Slides can easily step down into weak snow closer to the ground and grow larger as well. Look for and avoid pillows of firm snow in steep terrain, especially just below ridgelines. You can find safer riding on low-angle or wind-sheltered slopes.