Vail & Summit County

You can trigger an avalanche where recently-drifted snow forms dense and cohesive slabs at upper elevations. Avoid lens-shaped snow pillows below ridgelines, cornices, or convex rollovers. Watch out for unusual drifting along gully walls on northerly and easterly-facing slopes. Although unlikely, a smaller slide in recently-drifted snow might trigger an avalanche that breaks more deeply in the snowpack. Choose wind-sheltered terrain without dense snow surfaces.