Steamboat & Flat Tops

You can trigger an avalanche on any slope where you find more than about 8 inches of new or wind-drifted snow. The most dangerous slopes face north through east to south, below ridgelines, where winds drift snow into stiff slabs. Wind-drifted snow looks round and pillowy and may crack beneath you. You can find safer riding at lower elevations, sheltered from the wind.

You may still be able to trigger a deeper slide on rocky, steep, shallow, shady slopes. Look for safer riding on slopes less than about 35 degrees or sheltered from the wind.