Steamboat & Flat Tops

Recent strong winds have drifted fresh slabs of firm snow over buried weak layers. Easterly-facing slopes with rounded pillows of firm snow will be the most hazardous. Although you are most likely to trigger an avalanche where winds have drifted snow, they may step down to buried weak layers two feet deep. You can trigger an avalanche from below and a distance; multiple people could ride a slope before you trigger an avalanche. You can find safer travel in areas sheltered from the wind without firm surfaces, cracking, or collapsing. If you find these signs, stick to low-angled slopes.