Vail & Summit County

You can trigger an avalanche on north through east to south-facing slopes at upper elevations. New snow combined with strong northerly winds will create a cohesive slab. The most dangerous slopes are where you spot a smooth rounded snow surface or see cornices forming directly below ridgelines or on the sides of gullies. On more southerly-facing slopes, expect to trigger an avalanche more easily as this new load will rest on top of a melt-freeze crust. Seek wind-sheltered slopes at lower elevations if the snow cracks, collapses, or the snow starts to feel and sound hollow underneath you.