Grand Mesa

You might trigger an avalanche on steep northerly and east-facing slopes where recently drifted snow rests on weak layers buried up to four feet deep. Though the likelihood of triggering a slide on these layers is reducing, it is not impossible. Avoiding wind-loaded terrain features like steep slopes below ridge tops, steep rollovers, and gullies will increase your safety.

It is possible to trigger Loose Dry Avalanches on steep northerly slopes near and below treeline where the snowpack has become largely cohesionless. Though these slides may be small, they can be powerful enough to knock you off your feet. Small avalanches can be big problems if you get carried into a terrain trap such as a deep gulley or off a cliff.