Vail & Summit County

Strong winds continue to blast snow around and create cohesive slabs of snow. With gale-force winds, expect these slabs to develop well below ridgelines and into the trees. Look for and avoid rounded pillows that may crack beneath you. If firm snow is supportive and hollow, you have found the problem and should steer away from steep slopes. On northerly and east slopes, you could trigger an avalanche that steps down to weak layers buried at the ground. You can find safer riding on low-angle slopes or those sheltered from the wind.