Steamboat & Flat Tops

Thick slabs of snow from early January's snowfall rest on weaker, collapsible layers. It is hard to affect these deeply buried weak layers and trigger an avalanche, but if you do, it will be large. The best way to reduce your risk of these hard-to-trigger avalanches is by avoiding big open slopes with variable snow coverage and lots of rocks and trees protruding. Stick to slopes with an even, consistent snow depth.

Strong winds will drift snow, so avoid rounded, firm pillows that may crack. East, southeast, and south slopes will have the most drifting, but also look out for cross-loaded terrain features. You can find safer riding on slopes sheltered from the wind.