Steamboat & Flat Tops

You can trigger avalanches where westerly winds formed new drifts of snow on steep slopes. Look for and avoid lens-shaped snow pillows on steep slopes below ridges, in gullies, and beneath convex rollovers. Cracking in the new snow is a sign to avoid steep slopes. Seek out wind-sheltered slopes, or slopes less than about 35 degrees, as safer options.

The bigger, but less likely, hazard is triggering a slide that breaks on weak layers buried 3 feet deep. If you find the wrong spot on a slope, like a thinner area near exposed obstacles, you can trigger a slide that breaks on these buried layers. Small slides in drifted snow can also trigger larger avalanches.

Beware of wet snow shedding off steep slopes on the south half of the compass. If you see pinwheels or rollerballs in the snow, or you're sinking up to your ankles in wet snow, you should avoid steep slopes.

On March 7th, a backcountry skier was caught and killed in an avalanche near Vail Pass. The avalanche released on a northeast-facing slope near treeline, about 2 to 3 feet deep. Our deepest condolences to the deceased skier's family, friends, and community. You can read the preliminary accident report here.