Vail Pass Snow Report

You can trigger an avalanche on slopes with a buried weak layer. The avalanche you trigger is likely to be 2 to 3 feet deep on either drifted or non-drifted slopes. You may get no warning signs, like cracking or collapsing, before you trigger a deadly avalanche, potentially from below. 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.