Vail & Summit County

Avalanche conditions are most dangerous on recently wind-loaded northerly and east-facing slopes. Recent extreme winds are testing a shallow snowpack. You might trigger a slide that just breaks in the drifted snow, but the real hazard is slides that break on weak layers 2 or 3 feet deep. Look out for thinner areas of the slab where it's easier to affect buried weak layers. Remember, small slides can also be the trigger for larger avalanches.

Be aware that with intense winds over the weekend, you might find drifts further down the slope than usual. Another round of snow starting around noon on Monday means that drifts will grow as the day progresses.

Stick to low elevation slopes with a soft snowpack that you can poke a ski pole through to the ground. Or, low-angle slopes away from steep northerly and east-facing ridges as safer options.