Vail & Summit County

Slopes with recently drifted snow will be the most hazardous. If you trigger an avalanche in rounded pillows of firm snow at the surface, they could penetrate deeper weak layers. You will likely trigger a deeper slide on steep, rocky slopes connected to drifted snow. Multiple people could ride a slope before a slide is triggered. You can find safer riding on slopes protected from the wind and lower-angled slopes.

If you travel below the treeline on more open, steep terrain that is shallow and rocky, you could still trigger a small slide that could push you into a terrain trap.