Grand Mesa

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. The most dangerous areas are steep, planar slopes facing northwest through north to east. In these areas you can trigger an avalanche from below a slope or from a distance so be aware of steep slopes above you and other backcountry travelers nearby. At higher elevations just below ridgelines where you find wind-drifted snow, avalanches will be larger and can grow big enough to bury you. You can find safer travel options on south-facing slopes where this week's snow fell on mostly bare ground or stick to low-angle terrain without steep slopes above you when traveling on aspects of concern.