Steamboat & Flat Tops

Most alpine slopes are wind-battered, but you might find weak areas near the treeline where stiff drifts are resting on weak snow in open areas. Cracking in drifted snow is a signal to be cautious around steep slopes in similar areas. At lower elevations, if you're sinking past your ankles into wet snow, you should also avoid similar steep slopes.

Another storm arrives on Friday night in the Northern Mountains, dropping temperatures well below freezing on Saturday. Look for the avalanche danger to increase in areas that get more than about 6 inches of snow by Saturday night.