Steamboat & Flat Tops

You can trigger an avalanche where recent snow drifted over weak layers in the upper snowpack. These weak layers are buried one to two feet deep or more in drifted areas. The most dangerous slopes face easterly and are below ridgelines, in gullies, and on steep rollovers. You can trigger an avalanche from below and a distance and they can break into lower-angle terrain. Multiple people can ride a slope before an avalanche breaks and you may not see cracking or hear collapsing. You can find safer travel in areas sheltered from the wind without firm surfaces and on low-angled slopes.

On February 9th a fatal avalanche accident was reported north of the Colorado border near Battle Pass, WY. Though this area is not in the CAIC forecast region, many backcountry users in that area visit our website for nearby information since there is an information exchange but no daily forecasting for that part of Wyoming. A very brief report can be found here and will be updated as new information comes in. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all of those involved.