Vail & Summit County

You can trigger an avalanche on easterly-facing slopes at all elevations. The most dangerous slopes are on higher, more exposed slopes where strong winds drifted recent snow into a cohesive slab that rests on a weak layer buried about two to four feet deep. Before triggering a large avalanche, you may not see or hear signs of unstable snow like cracking or collapsing.  

As temperatures quickly rise on Wednesday, pay attention to the snow surfaces. If you see or feel the snow surface becoming moist, pinwheels forming, or small fan-like point release, it is time to see colder dry snow surfaces or head home. However, with the Persistent Slab avalanche problem, seek colder, dry snow less than about 30 degrees for safer travel options.