Steamboat & Flat Tops

You can trigger avalanches in the new and freshly wind-drifted snow. Be especially careful on easterly-facing slopes near and above treeline where winds are drifting the new snow into thicker, denser slabs. Look for signs of recent wind loading, such as smooth rounded pillows of snow, small cornices below ridgelines, and cracking in the snow surface to indicate potential danger. Some terrain features like gullies and couloirs can be cross-loaded. If you encounter any of these warning signs, stick to slopes with a slope angle of less than about 30 degrees. Avoid steep northeast through southeasterly facing terrain if you see any signs of wind drifting.

You can find safer riding in wind-sheltered and below-treeline areas.