Grand Mesa

Generally safe avalanche conditions in the morning will worsen by the afternoon as temperatures climb and water enters the snowpack. You might be able to trigger dangerous wet avalanches on north and east-facing slopes. The most dangerous slopes are where you find a smooth, steep, unsupported slope surrounded by rocks and trees along the edges. These rocks and trees will absorb the sunlight and melt the snow even faster. The easiest way to reduce your chances of being caught in an avalanche is to avoid steep terrain in the afternoon or as soon as you start to notice your feet or machine sinking deep into wet snow.