Grand Mesa

Avalanches in the new storm snow are the primary concern. and could grow large enough to bury or injure you. Avoid stiff wind-drifted slabs in the alpine, especially below ridgelines and in the catchments above gullies and couloirs.

Expect widespread, but small, loose wet avalanches shedding off the old underlying snow in areas that received more than about 6 inches of new snow. Even small avalanches can sweep you over cliffs or into rocks. Wet avalanche activity will begin as soon as the sun hits, so an early start will not offer a safer travel window. Slopes less than about 35 degrees in steepness offer safer terrain.