Deep snows frequently force them to lower elevations. Grassy slide-rock slopes are major use areas in spring, summer, and fall. Alpine meadows are frequented most from July through August. Suitable winter ranges may be at lower elevations where snow is less abundant and persistent, or on relatively unforested, steep, mostly south-facing slopes where snow sheds rapidly. At low elevations, particularly near the Pacific Coast, a conifer canopy may benefit wintering mountain goats by intercepting and redistributing snow and by providing forage.
Salt licks are a very important habitat resource.
Fall migrations appear to be influenced by snowfall on the upper ranges and usually begin around the time of the first snowfall. Upward movement in spring is more gradual than the fall migrations. Water - Water is not believed to be a limiting factor on most mountain goat ranges, as these are either in moist climates or in areas with persistent snowfields. Habitat selection by mountain goats is often determined by needs for security from predation. Visibility of surroundings is also important to mountain goats.