Vail & Summit County

The most dangerous slopes for triggering avalanches are steep, wind-loaded areas near and above treeline. Expect to find the deepest and most reactive drifts of snow just below ridgeline on slopes that face northeast to east, through south. Give suspect slopes a wide berth, as avalanches can be triggered from below or from a distance. Shallow areas near convexities should be identified and avoided. With a generally weak snowpack, any avalanche you trigger could gouge down to the ground. East, southeast, and south produced the most avalanche activity over the weekend.

Use caution on very steep slopes below treeline, where you may find deep, unconsolidated snow above terrain traps.

You can find safer travel on lower-angle slopes or those sheltered from the wind at lower elevations.