Vail & Summit County

You can trigger an avalanche on slopes with a buried weak layer. Many of these slopes have been heavily drifted by wind, but slopes without loading will also be hazardous. If you trigger an avalanche at the surface, it is likely to step down to weak layers 2 to 3 feet deep. You may get no warning signs, like cracking or collapsing, before you trigger a deeper avalanche. Potentially from below or a distance. On slopes that face northwest through east to southeast, avoid being on or connected to slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

Warm temperatures mean snow can shed off steep sunny aspects. Gullies with lots of exposed rocks to heat up will be the first to slide. If you are in steep terrain and see roller balls, or you are sinking into wet snow past your ankles, head to cooler slopes.

On March 7th, a backcountry skier was caught and killed in an avalanche near Vail Pass. The avalanche released on a northeast-facing slope near treeline, about 2 feet deep. Our deepest condolences to the deceased skier's family, friends, and community. You can read the preliminary accident report here.