Steamboat & Flat Tops

You can trigger an avalanche where snow on Wednesday drifts into slabs at upper elevations. Some slides will break near the surface and remain small. The bigger problem is avalanches breaking on weak snow buried one to two feet deep or more in previously drifted areas. Any slide in drifted snow can become the trigger for a larger, deeper, and more dangerous avalanche. Look for and avoid smooth, rounded pillows of snow below ridgelines and in gullies, especially on easterly-facing slopes. Cracking within drifted snow is a sign to seek out areas sheltered from the wind or low-angle slopes.

On February 9th a fatal avalanche accident was reported north of the Colorado border near Battle Pass, WY. Though this area is not in the CAIC forecast region, many backcountry users in that area visit our website for nearby information since there is an information exchange but no daily forecasting for that part of Wyoming. A very brief report can be found here and will be updated as new information comes in. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all of those involved.