Avalanche forecast

Vail & Summit County

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–2.5

  • Wind Slabs

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

  • Loose Wet

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

Avalanche Summary

Avoid slopes with pillows of rounded wind-drifted snow. Terrain where you find more than about 8 inches of drifted snow are where you could trigger a dangerous avalanche. Cracking and collapsing are signs of unstable snow. An avalanche triggered at the surface could step down to deeper weak layers on northwest through north to east aspects. On these aspects, you could see multiple sets of tracks before you trigger a large slide. Avoid steep slopes where these problems overlap.

As the day warms and skies clear, snow will shed from southerly aspects. If you see roller balls or small point release avalanches, head to slopes with cooler snow.

You can find safer travel on slopes not affected by the wind and on lower-angled slopes.

Regions covered