Vail & Summit County

Most slopes are safe from avalanches, but there are a few areas to look for and avoid. Some lower elevation slopes may not freeze again on Friday night. Avoid steep slopes with unsupportable wet snow on Saturday. New snow can cap and insulate wet snow below. Dig down and look if you're unsure. Stick to slopes with supportable crusts or dry snow.

A few inches of snow on Saturday doesn't raise the danger, but you might find an isolated drift of snow in very steep terrain and trigger a small avalanche in the alpine. Small avalanches can have big consequences above terrain traps or in extreme terrain. Although unlikely, smaller avalanches and cornice falls onto slopes can trigger avalanches that break on deeper layers. Give overhanging cornices a wide berth, and make sure you're on solid ground.

Support these forecasts and avalanche education programming across Colorado by donating to Friends of CAIC’s Spring Gear Giveaway Fundraiser through April 1. Donate Now!