Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Unlikely
- Size
- 1–1.5
Most slopes are safe from avalanches, primarily due to thin snow coverage. You might be able to trigger a small avalanche on wind-loaded slopes steeper than about 35 degrees facing north and northeast at the highest elevations of the Grand and Battlement Mesas. Even a small avalanches combined with terrain traps such as cliffs, rivers, or dense trees can be dangerous. Wind-sheltered slopes offer safer travel options.