Avalanche forecast

Vail & Summit County

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Avalanche problems

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–2.5
  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–2.5
  • Loose Wet

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

Avalanche Summary

Over the last few days, multiple large Wet Slab avalanches have been reported. These all occurred on steep slopes with shallow snow and large rocky bodies. Overnight freezes continue to be superficial. Be cautious of a crust at the surface that can tempt you into steep terrain when, in fact, heavy, wet snow lies just beneath. Be sure to step out of your flotation devices to see how strong the crust is and how much wet snow is beneath. Start early and end your day before you sink past your ankles into wet snow.

If you are heading to the shady north and northeast slopes, you could trigger an avalanche on buried weak layers. Rocky steep slopes will be the most dangerous, and there could be multiple sets of tracks before you trigger an avalanche. Slopes less than 35 degrees are safer.

Regions covered