Grand Mesa

Recent snow fell and buried a weak snowpack surface. That is now our persistent weak layer, and the storm snow a fresh slab on top. You can trigger dangerous avalanches on steep slopes. The biggest avalanches will be on slopes where winds drifted additional snow, those facing northwest through north to east. Look for and avoid rounded pillows of smooth snow below ridgelines, cornices, and along gully walls. If you experience cracking or collapsing in the new snow, consider heading to slopes less steep than about 35 degrees or that are sheltered from the wind.