Get the Picture
Slopes steeper than 30º are more prone to avalanches, but any slope should be considered avalanche terrain, even small slopes with trees. Low-angle slopes are also avalanche terrain if they have steeper slopes above them.
Always look for the following warning signs of unstable snow. If you see or hear any of these signs, riding on or below any slope is dangerous and should be avoided:
-
Recent avalanches
-
A “whumpfing” sound under a snowpack
-
Cracks across the top of a snowpack
-
A recent heavy snowfall
-
Blowing snow
-
Rain
-
Rapid warming