Steamboat & Flat Tops

You can easily trigger a dangerous avalanche in drifted snow at upper elevations. Look for and avoid slopes with fresh cornices, recent avalanches, bulbous pillows of drifted snow, or cracking within the new snow. The most dangerous slopes face north to east through south. Some avalanches may break in weak snow below the old surface, but this won't increase the possible size of avalanches.

You can trigger small avalanches in unconsolidated snow at lower elevations that break about one to two feet from the surface. Even small avalanches can be deadly if they push you into a terrain trap like thick trees or a depression, or over cliffs or rocks.

Stick to slopes less than about 30 degrees without steeper slopes above you as a safer travel option.