Grand Mesa

Most slopes are safe due to the lack of consistent snow cover and slab development. The few places where you can trigger a small avalanche are on drifted slopes on high-elevation, north- and northeast-facing aspects. Look for stiffer drifts of snow below ridges around steep rocky features as areas to avoid. Generally, snow cover or snow drifts need to be at least a foot deep before you should be concerned. If you trigger an avalanche in one of these areas, it won't be very big, but it could be harmful if it drags you down into exposed rocks below.