Avalanche forecast

Vail & Summit County

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago.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
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

Avalanche Summary

A Special Avalanche Advisory is in effect. Recent snow and strong winds have formed thick cohesive slabs above an unusually shallow and weak snowpack. Avalanche conditions will remain dangerous through the weekend. Careful planning and conservative terrain selection is essential for safe travel in backcountry avalanche terrain.

The most dangerous slopes are where strong winds have drifted snow over weak layers. Avoid bulbous pillows of snow. In these areas, an avalanche triggered at the surface may step down to deeper weak layers. You may not see obvious signs of instability, such as cracking and collapsing, before a large avalanche triggers. You can trigger an avalanche from flat ground.

Lower-elevation slopes with softer snow and less slab will be safer, as will slopes less than about 30 degrees that are not connected to steeper terrain.

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