Steamboat & Flat Tops

You can easily trigger an avalanche on westerly-facing slopes where winds have drifted new snow into thick slabs. Look for and avoid rounded pillows of snow with a hollow feel. These may crack as you weight them and will likely be found below ridges and along gully walls. If you see these signs, avoid steep slopes or retreat to wind-sheltered or stripped aspects.

Weak layers exist deep in the snowpack. Sticking to slopes with a deep, consistent snowpack and no trigger points will lessen your chances of triggering a deeper slide.