Vail & Summit County

You can trigger an avalanche where strong winds drifted snow into cohesive slabs at upper elevations. Slopes that face north through east to southeast are the most dangerous. Bulbous, lens-shaped pillows of snow and recent cornice formation are signs of wind-loading. Look for and avoid recently wind-loaded slopes below ridgelines or convex rollovers and inside gully features. Seek wind-sheltered slopes at lower elevations for safer options, especially if you see recent avalanche activity or cracking within the new snow.