Steamboat & Flat Tops

You might trigger a small wet avalanche on steep slopes that have more than about 8 inches of new snow. The most dangerous slopes harbor colder snow that will become affected by the sun and warm temperatures. Slides will grow in size in areas that received more new snow. Start and end your day early to avoid wet snow concerns. Gloppy, wet, recent snow is a sign to move off steep slopes or call it a day.

You may trigger a slide in drifted snow at upper elevations on slopes that have more than 10 inches of drifted snow. You can find drifted pillows of snow just below ridges, below freshly-grown cornices, inside cross-drifted gullies, or below steep rollovers. If you see cracking in the newly drifted snow, move to lower angle or wind-sheltered terrain.