Steamboat & Flat Tops

You can easily trigger a dangerous avalanche at all elevations on slopes that face any direction. Look for and avoid steep slopes with more than about one to two feet of new snow, especially where it has drifted into a denser slab. If you notice cracking in the surface snow or hear audible collapses, these are signs of unstable snow and a clue to move to lower-angle slopes. Some avalanches may break in weak snow below the old surface, but this won't increase the possible size of avalanches. Any size avalanche can be deadly if combined with a terrain trap such as a cliff, gully, or thick trees.

Avoid traveling above terrain traps and stick to slopes less than about 30 degrees without steep slopes above you as a safer travel option.