Vail & Summit County

You could trigger an avalanche on leeward slopes where the winds deposited a cohesive slab. The most dangerous slopes face northeast through east to south directly below ridgelines. Look for and avoid slopes where you see fresh cornices forming or a smooth rounded snow surface that feels dense or hollow underneath you. While less likely, you could also trigger an avalanche that breaks on a buried weak layer about two to three feet deep. Carefully assess the snowpack before riding in steep terrain. If there is any doubt, stick to wind-sheltered slopes less than about 30 degrees for safer options.