Avalanche forecast

Steamboat & Flat Tops

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

  • Loose Wet

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

Avalanche Summary

You can trigger an avalanche at upper elevations where a cohesive slab of snow rests on weak layers and crusts buried one to three feet deep. You are most likely to find these problematic layers on northeast through east to south-facing slopes, but the most dangerous slopes face east and southeast. Obvious signs of instability, like cracking and collapsing, may not be present before you trigger a slide. Multiple people can ride a slope before someone finds a weak spot and triggers an avalanche. Look for and avoid slopes with weak layers in the upper snowpack, or stick to slopes less than about 30 degrees as a safer option.

As the sun and warmer temperatures create wet snow on the surface, be wary of snow shedding off steep, rocky slopes. If you notice rollerballs or pinwheels in the surface snow, it’s time to seek colder slopes or simply call it a day.

----------------------------------------------------

Friends of CAIC’s Spring Campaign Fundraiser Raising $40,000 by April 12th - Supporting Trailhead Education - donate at support.friendsofcaic.org/spring

Regions covered