Vail & Summit County

You are most likely to trigger an avalanche where strong winds are drifting snow over weak layers on easterly aspects. Look for and avoid rounded pillows of snow on steep slopes. The avalanche you trigger at the surface will likely fracture weak layers one to two feet deep. You could trigger an avalanche from below or a distance, and tracks on a slope do not mean it is safe. Be careful below treeline where you find a cohesive slab more than about eight inches thick. You can find safer travel on slopes sheltered from the wind without a slab or on low-angle slopes.