Steamboat & Flat Tops

You can trigger an avalanche where you find more than about 8 inches of new or wind-drifted snow. Near Treeline elevation will be the most dangerous, as there is the most continuous weak layer. Avoid rounded pillows of firm snow that may crack beneath you. If you trigger an avalanche at the surface, it may step down to a crust or deeper weak layers, producing a large avalanche. You can find safer riding in scoured areas or those sheltered from the wind without a slab.