Grand Mesa

You can trigger an avalanche on any steep slope where you find more than about a foot of new snow. Most of these avalanches will be small but they can knock you over and drag you into a creek or off a cliff so be aware of these kinds of terrain traps below you. Safer travel options exist on wind-sheltered slopes with less than about 10 inches of new snow that feels light and cohesionless. If you see cracking in the snow around your feet or machine you may want to consider staying off slopes steeper than about 30 degrees.