Grand Mesa

Most slopes are safe from avalanches. The few places you can trigger a small avalanche are on steep wind-loaded slopes just below ridgelines, the backside of rollovers, or the sides of steep, drifted gullies. Cracking along the snow surface or hollow-sounding firm snow are good indications of this problem. Seek out slopes in wind-sheltered areas and avoid terrain traps to increase your safety margins.