Steamboat & Flat Tops

You can trigger an avalanche in wind-drifted snow. Avoid steep terrain with rounded pillows of firm snow close to ridgelines and in gullies. These may crack when you weight them. In areas with many trigger points, such as exposed rocks or convex rolls, a surface-triggered avalanche could step down to deeper weak layers. You can reduce the chance of deeper slides by choosing slopes with a consistently deep snowpack and homogenous slope shape.

Beware of wet snow shedding off steep slopes on the south half of the compass. If you see pinwheels or rollerballs in the snow, or you're sinking up to your ankles in wet snow, you should avoid steep 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 to 3 feet deep. Our deepest condolences to the deceased skier's family, friends, and community. You can read the preliminary accident report here.