Grand Mesa

Start and finish your day early. Most slopes are safe from large avalanches if a solid freeze creates a firm crust. You should test the strength of the freeze by stepping onto the snow in boots. Avoid traveling on steep slopes if you sink into wet snow deeper than your ankles. Move to shadier slopes or head back to the trailhead. Build time plans and exit options to account for softening snow surfaces.

Afternoon thunderstorms might produce rain or high-elevation snow. Any rain can quickly break down frozen crusts. New snow can sluff off old dirty snow surfaces.

Cornices guard many northerly and easterly slopes. Avoid traveling on or under these giant chunks of ice! Over the past week, cornice falls triggered a few large avalanches.