Steamboat & Flat Tops

An Avalanche Watch is in effect for the Flat Tops and Elkhead Mountains. HIGH (4 of 5) avalanche danger will develop late Thursday and last into Friday as a potent storm brings strong winds and heavy snowfall.

The avalanche danger will increase rapidly as blizzard conditions build during the day. Northwest through north to easterly slopes will be the most dangerous. Slopes that were safe in the morning may be deadly by afternoon. You can trigger an avalanche in drifted snow at upper elevations, and they may release naturally. Avoid rounded pillows of drifted snow on steep slopes. If you trigger a surface slide, the avalanche might break deeper into the snowpack. If you find the wrong spot on a slope, you can trigger a large, wide, and potentially deadly avalanche. Multiple people can ride a slope before one of these slides occurs, and you are unlikely to see any warning signs. Paths that already slid this season are more likely to slide again. Look for slopes less than about 30 degrees that are not connected to steeper slopes above as safer options.