Grand Mesa

You can trigger a large and dangerous avalanche on wind-drifted slopes above treeline. Identify wind-drifted snow by the round, wave-like snow surface appearance often found beneath cornices and on slopes facing northwest through east to southeast just below ridgeline. If you notice cracks shooting away from your skis, feet, or machine consider sticking to slopes less than about 35 degrees steep or moving to another slope.

You can easily trigger small loose avalanches as the sun warms up the new snow throughout the day Monday. You can expect many of these avalanches to run naturally as well. Avoid steep slopes with terrain traps such as a cliff or a lake below you to reduce your chances of being injured or worse.