Steamboat & Flat Tops

You can easily trigger an avalanche where strong west and southwest winds drift snow at upper elevations. Bulbous, lens-shaped pillows of snow and recent cornice formation are signs of wind-loading. Look for and avoid recently wind-loaded slopes below ridgelines or convex rollovers and inside gully features. If you see recent avalanche activity or notice cracking within the new snow, you should seek wind-sheltered slopes as a safer option.