Look for old scars in timber and avoid steep gullies and steep, open slopes. Sluffing - Sluffing indicates that stabilization is taking place. Recent Avalanche Activity - Look around, if you see new avalanches you should suspect dangerous conditions. Contact U. S. Forest Service Snow Ranger or the nearest winter sports area ski patrol. The safest routes are on ridge tops and slightly on the windward side away from cornices.
Windward slopes are almost always safer than leeward slopes.
If you cannot travel on ridges, the next safest route is out in the valley away from the bottom part of slopes. Take advantage of areas of dense timber, ridges or rocky outcrops as islands of safety. Use them for lunch and rest stops and spend the least time possible out on the open slopes. Look for, and obey , all signs or other warnings of avalanche danger. Remove ski pole straps, ski safety straps, loosen all equipment, put on mitts, cap, and fasten clothing before being exposed to avalanche danger.