Grand Mesa

The most dangerous areas face northwest, north, and northeast, generally above around 10,000 feet. Here, you can trigger an avalanche that breaks several feet deep, bringing most or all of the season's snowpack down on top of you. You can trigger these avalanches from a distance so be aware of steep slopes above you. To reduce your chances of triggering an avalanche avoid traveling on or under steep slopes facing these aspects of concern. If you are traveling on south-facing slopes watch for loose avalanches when the snow gets wet with warmer temperatures and clear skies. These loose avalanches will be small but can still drag you into dangerous terrain such as a creek or a cliff if you are caught off guard.

Expect the danger to increase on Wednesday after a warm night leading to a poor overnight freeze as water reaches the deeper buried weak layers on north-facing slopes.