Avalanche forecast

Vail & Summit County

Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

Avalanche Summary

You can trigger an avalanche that breaks 2 to 3 feet deep on a buried weak layer in the middle of the snowpack. It may be easier to trigger avalanches in the near treeline elevation band where slabs are softer, making it easier to affect the buried weak layer. Avalanches will be larger and more dangerous in wind-loaded areas. These avalanches can be hard to predict, and you will not see signs of danger before these avalanches break. Assess the snowpack carefully before riding in steep terrain on northwest through northeast to southeast-facing aspects near and above treeline.

Temperatures will be in the mid to high thirties on Saturday. New snow from earlier in the week will get wet and easily slide, especially on southerly-facing slopes where it rests on stiff crusts. Most of these avalanches will be small, but they can send you for a dangerous ride.

Regions covered