Steamboat & Flat Tops

You can trigger an avalanche on steep slopes where westerly winds drifted snow into cohesive slabs. Cracking in drifted snow is a sign you can trigger an avalanche. Steep leeward slopes below ridges, convex rollovers, and inside gullies are the most likely places to trigger a slide. Look for slopes less than about 35 degrees or slopes sheltered from the wind as safer options.

A few inches of snow and breezy conditions will limit the warming of the snow on Monday. However, with above-freezing temperatures expected, a short window of sun could be enough to make the new snow shed off steep slopes. Rollerballs and snow that makes your gloves wet when you squeeze it are signs the snow is getting wet. Avoid traveling on or below steep, sunny, and rocky slopes with a fresh coating of snow if the surface is getting wet.