Vail & Summit County

Although it is becoming less likely, you can trigger an avalanche on a buried weak layer in the middle of the snowpack that breaks about two to three feet deep. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche near treeline where the slab is softer, making it easier to affect the buried weak layer. These avalanches are difficult to predict and you won’t see any signs of instability before you trigger one. Assess the snowpack carefully before riding in steep terrain and be aware that avalanches will be larger in wind-drifted areas. Slopes that face northwest through northeast to southeast are the most dangerous.