Grand Mesa

Most slopes are safe from avalanches. You should be cautious where you find wind-drifted snow on steep slopes just below a ridgeline or where loose, cohesionless snow exists on very steep slopes. Whether you trigger a slab avalanche on a wind drift or a loose avalanche on a steep, shady slope, both will be small and only pose a serious threat when they knock you over and drag you into terrain traps like a creek or cliff.