Steamboat & Flat Tops

Look for and avoid areas of firm, pillowy, wind-drifted snow. You will most likely find these pockets of snow on northerly slopes, in gullies, and close to ridgelines. You could trigger an avalanche from a distance as these pillows rest above weak snow on the ground. If you experience cracking or collapsing in the snowpack, retreat to slopes less than about 30 degrees or those sheltered from the wind.