Grand Mesa

You can trigger an avalanche large enough to bury you. The most dangerous slopes are northerly and easterly-facing just below ridgelines, but problematic areas can extend farther downslope. A relatively small avalanche could break on weak layers buried by recently drifted snow, but the primary hazard is an avalanche that steps down into the weak, old snow near the ground. Shooting cracks and audible collapses are signs of instability, but they may not be present before you trigger a large avalanche. Avalanches can be triggered from a distance, so look for safer riding on slopes that are less than 30 degrees without steep slopes above.