Avalanche forecast

Vail & Summit County

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

Avalanche Summary

A few inches of snow by Thursday morning won't increase the avalanche danger. It might make it harder to identify and avoid steep previously wind-loaded slopes. Most recent slides were on east, southeast, or south-facing slopes, but a recent close call on a northeast-facing slope shows you can find problematic drifts there, too. If you can avoid these drifted slopes, you can avoid most avalanches.

Look for and avoid hard drifts below any new snow where your skis, board, or sled don't sink more than a few inches. Supportable snow on steep slopes means you found a slab, and if you're on one of the aspects mentioned above, there are likely weak, collapsible layers below this slab.

Snow continues Thursday; there might be enough by Friday to increase the danger.

Regions covered