Avalanche forecast

Vail & Summit County

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5
  • Wind Slabs

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

Avalanche Summary

Dangerous conditions exist on north, northeast, east, and southeast-facing slopes where strong winds will drift new snow into thick, dense slabs. Look for and avoid steep slopes where you find evidence of recent wind drifting such as smooth rounded pillows of snow, cracking in the snow surface, fresh cornices, and recent avalanche activity. If you trigger an avalanche in the new snow, it can step down to deeper buried weak layers resulting in a large inescapable slide. This is especially true on easterly and south-facing slopes where the fresh drifts rest on top of buried weak layers. You can find safer riding in wind sheltered and below treeline areas.

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