Vail & Summit County

You can trigger an avalanche where you find cohesive slabs of drifted snow on steep slopes below ridges, in gullies, and behind convex rollovers. Less likely is a slide that breaks 2 or 3 feet deep on weak snow buried at the start of the month. Look for and avoid these slides on steep, rocky, shaded slopes, often with variable snow cover.

The most dangerous slopes are drifted upper elevation slopes that face north through east to south. Cracking in the snow or snow that sounds hollow or drum-like as you travel over it are warning signs. Look for safer riding at lower elevations or on slopes sheltered from the wind.

Clouds and wind will help cool the snow tomorrow, but you can expect some of the recent storm snow to shed as temperatures break freezing. Rollerballs and point-releases are signs the snow is getting wet. Avoid traveling on or below steep, rocky slopes tomorrow afternoon if the snow is wet.