Anticipating Weather Conditions

Learn to read and anticipate snow conditions as well as the indications of avalanche likelihood and other weather-related risks.

Checking Before You Go

• Many public snowmobile areas have an Avalanche Center hotline. For current information on avalanche hazards, call the hotline for your area. You also can check the National Avalanche Center’s website.
• Study the weather forecast. Weather conditions, such as temperature and wind, directly affect the slopes. Changes in the snowpack may occur quite rapidly and could trigger an avalanche.
• Familiarize yourself with the terrain where you will be traveling. Avoid steep slopes and gullies that are more likely to slide.