Vail & Summit County

You can trigger an avalanche where recently drifting snow forms dense, cohesive slabs at upper elevations around the Gore Range. Look for and avoid rounded surfaces that look textured below ridgelines, cornices, or convex rollovers. Strong winds will allow snow to drift further downslope than anticipated. While unlikely, a smaller slide in drifted snow might trigger an avalanche that breaks deeper into the snowpack. Seek wind-sheltered terrain without dense snow surfaces that are less than about 30 degrees of safer options.