Grand Mesa

The most dangerous slopes are those with firm, wind-drifted snow on the leeward side of a ridgeline. If you notice cracking in the snow or if it feels stiff and hollow, stay on slopes less than about 35 degrees steep. If you find more than a foot of new snow on slopes facing the northern half of the compass, stick to lower-angle terrain. Safer travel options are found on wind-sheltered slopes lower down, where your feet, skis, or machine sink deeply into the snow without any cracking around you.