Vail & Summit County

You can trigger a very large avalanche from a distance or from below. You may get no warning signs before you do. The most dangerous slopes are below exposed ridges and inside drifted gullies, but you should beware of steep slopes wherever you find a thick cohesive slab resting on weak snow. Careful planning and conservative terrain selection are essential for safe travel in backcountry avalanche terrain. Avoid travel on or under slopes steeper than 30 degrees.