Avalanche forecast

Vail & Summit County

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

Avalanche Summary

Slopes with thick drifts of snow are the most dangerous. You can trigger an avalanche in drifted surface snow that steps down to weak layers close to the ground. Avoid rounded, lens-shaped pillows of firm snow. Especially where you see them on steep slopes directly below ridges and in gullies. You will not get any warning signs of a deeper avalanche, and multiple people could take a run before it slides. You can reduce your chances of triggering a deeper slide by traveling on consistently angled slopes without many trigger points. You can find safer riding on slopes less than about 30 degrees and in the trees sheltered from the wind.

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