Steamboat & Flat Tops

Wind speeds start to increase Wednesday morning and snow begins midday. By Wednesday afternoon, you can trigger an avalanche where strong winds are drifting new snow onto steep, leeward slopes. Look out for drifts far down slopes and at low elevations.

You can also trigger a slide on previously drifted slopes where dense slabs are resting on collapsible weak layers. These slides will break near the ground and can grow large enough to bury you. For both issues, avoid steep, drifted slopes that face northwest to east to southeast.

Look for low-angle slopes or sheltered slopes at lower elevations that face south, southwest, or west as safer options.