Grand Mesa

Avalanche danger will increase in areas forecast to see greater than 8 inches of new snow by midday Friday. This system favors the southeastern San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Southerly winds will build fresh slabs on slopes facing northwest through north to east. Here, you could trigger a dangerous avalanche on slopes steeper than about 35 degrees; these conditions are most likely to be found above treeline. Steer around harder, wind-drifted features and cornices, and avoid slopes where you observe cracks shooting out from your feet.